The "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 held an airborne change of command ceremony over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), July 25.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Rafe Wysham relieved Cmdr. Jason Denney, who reflected upon his time as the commanding officer of the "Diamondbacks."

"The most memorable aspect of my tour was the people," said Denney. "Performing detachment exercises with the Australians and walking around the shops and talking with Sailors who work hard to keep the jets mission-ready. Also, the flying has been fantastic out here with the forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF)."

Denney also discussed his professional growth over the course of his tour, along with a show of appreciation for what the members of VFA-102 have given him.

"Next I'm going to the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office 265, who are responsible for acquiring, delivering and sustaining jets and the equipment that goes with them," said Denney. "My tour gave me the FDNF perspective, so now I can provide the proper insight when they procure new equipment or make improvements."

In a display of aircraft readiness and airmanship, Denney and Wysham piloted two F/A-18F Super Hornets above George Washington, as Capt. William Koyama, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, rode with Denney, read official orders, and executed the change of command. Wysham then conducted a fly-by of the ship, which symbolized his command of VFA-102.

During remarks while taking command of VFA-102, Wysham expressed his confidence that the "Diamondbacks" will continue to achieve their goals and carry out their mission.

"The command is headed in the right direction and I want to keep it that way," said Wysham. "We have a lot going on over the next 18 months, with two trips to Fallon and a move to Iwakuni. I'm going to make sure we're ready for those challenges while still being fully prepared to answer the nation's call as part of FDNF."

George Washington and CVW 5 are on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/ .