The Signature
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U.S. NAVY PATROL SQUADRON 9 CH By Lt. j.g. John Tersoni Patrol Squadron 9
The “Golden Eagles” of Patrol Squadron 9 (VP-9) conducted its 70th change of command ceremony June 21, when Cmdr. Brian Schneider, the former executive officer of VP-9, relieved Cmdr. Hamish Kirkland of command at Naval Air Station Sigonella. Joined by guest speaker Capt. William Pennington, Commander, Task Force 67, a multitude of friends, family and distinguished guests partook in the ceremony. Kirkland leaves behind a historic legacy. Under his command, VP-9 upheld its record of over 40 years and 226,000 mishap free flight hours and maintained the highest level of combat readiness following airframe transition from the P-3C Orion. VP-9 established itself as an elite Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) asset on the squadron’s maiden P-8A Poseidon deployment, developing new tactics and procedures aimed at maximizing the full potential of the weapons system, and conducting the first live AGM-84 Harpoon flights ever performed on the P-8A aircraft in the Sixth Fleet Area of Responsibility. Vowing to continue providing successful leadership for the squadron throughout deployment, Schneider assumed command of VP-9 and was grateful for the tenacity and expertise of his predecessor. “Commander Kirkland has left me with a combat effective squadron ready to face any threat anywhere,” said Schneider. “Together we have
brought the squadron through the Inter-deployment Readiness Cycle (IDRC) and successfully onto VP9’s inaugural P-8A deployment.” A career naval aviator, Schneider’s experience includes maritime patrol and reconnaissance tours, staff tours, an instructor tour, a department head tour, and a tour aboard the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). He has completed five maritime patrol overseas deployments to support operations in 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. In May 2018, Schneider reported to VP-9 as executive officer. In his parting words, Kirkland offered his Sailors one final thought. “I am extremely proud of the Golden Eagles and all that we have accomplished over the past two years,” said Kirkland. “I leave knowing you will continue to raise the bar, set records, make history, and maintain the Golden Eagle values of excellence, family, and respect.” VP-9 operates the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft capable of conducting Anti-submarine Warfare, Maritime Domain Awareness, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Anti-Surface Warfare, and searchand-rescue missions. The squadron is forward deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility and is currently assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces throughout the European and African areas of responsibility.
Cmdr. Hamish Kirkland gives exits remar of command of Patrol Squadron 9 deploye (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of VP-9)
