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Condor’s Nest receives new commander

  • Published
  • By Petty Officer 1st Class David Kincaid
  • Fleet Logistics Support Squadron VR-64
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Fleet Logistics Support Squadron VR-64 leadership passed the torch of command during a traditional Naval ceremony Jan. 12, 2013, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Cmdr. Trevor A. Blow relieved Cmdr. Wayne D. Gunther to become the eighth commanding officer of VR-64 since its transition from Maritime Patrol to Fleet Logistics Support roles in September 2004.

Gunther, a native of Maple Grove, Minn., has subsequently assumed duties at the Office for the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C. Gunther was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his service as commanding officer of VR-64 from October 2011 to January 2013.

"I must admit that today is truly bittersweet for me," said Gunther. "I love this Command and this job. While I realize that it is time for me to go, I don't want to leave. Many folks have asked me if I am ready to go; in some ways I am, but it is still so hard to walk away."

Hailing from Columbia, Md., Cmdr. Blow graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and International Studies. He attended flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in January 1992 after graduation.

Cmdr. Blow served his sea tour with the "Mad Foxes" of Patrol Squadron 5 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fl., where he made three overseas deployments and served as P-3C instructor pilot and mission commander, upon completion of initial P-3C Orion Fleet Readiness Squadron training. He transferred to Training Squadron 2, the "Doer Birds," as a T-34C standardization and evaluation pilot in 1995.

In 2002, Cmdr. Blow became a commercial airline pilot with United Airlines in 1999. He flew as First Officer on both the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 at bases in San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

Cmdr. Blow joined the Navy Reserve in 2002. The next year he began serving with the "Condors" of Patrol Squadron 64 at Joint Reserve Base Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Pa., qualifying as a P-3C patrol plane commander. He served on active duty at the Chief of Naval Operations, Program and Planning branch during the squadron's transition to Fleet Logistics Support.

Cmdr. Blow returned to Willow Grove in 2004 with the newly established VR-64. While serving there, he completed the Naval War College Command and Staff Course (Distance) in 2007. He served a variety of roles with VR-64 including C-130 transport aircraft commander and detachment officer-in-charge.

Next, Cmdr. Blow served as the chief of staff for the Director, Office of the DOD Executive Agent for Maritime Domain Awareness in 2009. He joined the civil service with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, National Air Security Operations as an aviation advisor following that tour.

Personal awards for Cmdr. Blow include two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and other personal awards and unit citations.

Blow spoke highly of Gunther before assuming command of VR-64.

"Skipper Gunther, you are a great leader for our team and a superb mentor to me," said Blow. "Thanks for taking the time to show me the ropes and thanks for creating an open environment in the 'Condors' Nest,' an environment that makes for a great work place to work, a squadron where our Sailors, chiefs and officers are justifiably proud to serve. Your active engagement was key to that. Rest assured that the policies and guidance that you have put in place will continue to guide us.