The Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station II in Sigonella, Sicily, April 22.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Matthew Rutherford was relieved as commanding officer of VP-47 by Cmdr. Erik L. Cyre.

Quotes:
"When Skipper Rutherford asked me to be here a month ago, I had one word for him, and that was 'absolutely'. I jumped up for the opportunity, not because of how well I was impressed by VP-47's performance during a difficult home cycle, but by how strongly I knew about Rutherford's performance with being VP-47's commanding officer for the past year."
- Capt. Steve Newlund, Commodore, Command Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two

"Words can't be expressed to how honored I am to have served as your commanding officer. You guys have inspired me each and every day with your pride, professionalism and performance. "I'll miss the warm sun on a cool morning during foreign object damage walk down, the sound of props turning as a mission is being launched, but mostly, I will miss all of you."
- Cmdr. Matthew Rutherford, Patrol Squadron 47 commanding officer

"It's been a distinct pleasure for me to benefit from the mentorship and leadership from Cmdr. Rutherford, one of the finest naval officers you will ever meet. I can't think of a better person to have mentored me while I served as executive officer. He has shown me the right way to do this job, the right way to inspire and motivate such a talented group of individuals standing before me."
- Cmdr. Erik L. Cyre, prospective Patrol Squadron 47 commanding officer

Quick Facts:
Rutherford deployed as the VP-47 executive officer to Sigonella in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 4th and 6th Fleet areas of operations (AOO) in 2013. He assumed command in 2014, and he deployed again to Sigonella, conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe in 2015.

During the ceremony, Newlund presented Rutherford with his meritorious service medal for his exceptional leadership during his tour as commanding officer.

VP-47 is currently deployed to Sigonella, Sicily; Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti; and Souda Bay, Greece, conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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