6
The Signature
VP-47 Welcomes New Leadership With Change of Command Ceremony Story and Photos by MC2 Brandon Vinson, VP-47
T
he “Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 held an alternative change of command today while deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation. Due to current COVID-19 concerns, a non-traditional change of command ceremony was conducted during a brief ground ceremony with a limited audience. During the ceremony, Cmdr. M. Trever Plageman relieved Cmdr. T. Ryan Davis to assume the duties and responsibilities as VP-47’s 73rd commanding officer. “I wish the Navy would let me stay here forever,” said Cmdr. T. Ryan Davis, the 72nd commanding officer of VP-47. “VP-47 was challenging in the beginning, and that is what has made the experience here rewarding. Getting to join the team and helping every Sailor make an impact in cultivating the culture at the command was special.” Skipper Davis went on to reminisce on all the highlights that stood out to him during his tour, showcasing how close he is to the “Golden Swordsmen” that man the watch. Cmdr. Davis ended with some parting words for any one new to the command and to his relief: “This is an amazing squadron. It’s amazing because of the people. Take the time to get to know them.” Cmdr. Plageman came to the “Golden Swordsmen” from his previous assignment serving as Lead Exercise Planner in the Maritime and Combined Exercises Branch (J37), and as Executive Officer to the
Operations Director, J3, United States Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany from July 2016 to August 2018. Following transition training on the P-8A, Plageman reported to VP-47 as Executive Officer in June 2019. “Cmdr. Davis left VP-47 in a much better state than he found it. His visionary leadership and dedication to a ‘Culture of Excellence’ prepared us very well for our current multi-site deployment and beyond. We bid him and his family a fond farewell, and wish them fair winds and following seas as they start the next chapter of their lives,” said Plageman, who wholly concurred that the people are what make VP-47 such an exceptional Squadron. “The culture and esprit de corps of the Team that we’ve built here is truly without parallel. Leadership comes and goes year after year… but this infinite minded group of amazing people is driven by a just cause. And therefore our ethos as ‘Warfighters, Teammates, and Difference Makers’ that help characterize the ‘Golden Swordsmen’ will remain steadfast for years to come.” VP-47 conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within the 4th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. The “Golden Swordsmen” are based out of Whidbey Island, WA, and attached to Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN (CPRW-10). For more news from Commander, Patrol Squadron 47, visit: www.facebook.com/goldenswordsmen47 or www.vp47.navy.mil.
