VR-64 Condors hail new commander, say ‘farewell’ to old

Published April 10, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Cmdr. Todd M. Boland assumed command of the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR-64) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., during a change of command ceremony April 5, 2014.

Capt. Mark O. Bailey, Fleet Logistics Support Wing commodore, Fort Worth, Texas, presided over the event, in which joint base leadership, VR-64 personnel and distinguished guests for both Boland and Cmdr. Trevor Blow, outgoing VR-64 commander, were in attendance.

"It's been a long road to get to this point in my career; I stand here today due to the support, advice and guidance of many of you in the audience," Boland said. "The lessons I've learned from you over the years, personal and professional, have been invaluable in my career and have served me well."

The VR-64 Condors and their C-130 Hercules aircraft provide responsive air logistics support to Navy and Marine forces worldwide.

"(VR-64) is not the traditional Reserve duty of one weekend per month and two weeks per year," Bailey said. "Instead, this squadron is part of an aviation community that is deployed worldwide 365 days per year and they are committed to providing our forward deployed forces with equipment, parts, weapons and personnel needed for sustained operations, including combat operations."

Boland addressed the men and women of VR-64 and expressed his gratitude toward them.

"Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and infectious enthusiasm," Boland said about the unit. "I look forward to continuing to serve with this exceptionally talented and dedicated group over the next 15 months. "

The commander ended his speech by directing the event back to Blow's retirement.

"To the sailors of VR-64, I want to express my thanks for the long hours and sacrifices you make every day so the Condors can serve the fleet," Cmdr. Blow said. "Your sweat and expertise keeps these aircraft flying around the globe."

Cmdr. Blow, who retired from the Navy after the change of command ceremony, served as VR-64 commander from January 2013, until the ceremony Saturday. He will move on to be the P-3 Program Management Office director in Washington, D.C.