“Cmdr. Whitmore did an incredible job main our Most worthy asset – our folks – by way of a rigorous pre-deployment work up cycle and throughout the 2022 to 2023 deployment,” stated Hampton. “His relentless efforts to keep up peace and stability in assist of our allies and missions within the U.S. Sixth fleet space of accountability is a testomony of his management and professionalism. Congratulations to Cmdr. Campbell – I sit up for seeing you lead the Bluetails as we end robust for the rest of our deployment.”
Whitmore, from Norwalk, Iowa, and a graduate of The Citadel, the Army School of South Carolina, assumed command of VAW-121 in Jan. 2022. He led the Bluetails throughout their 2022-2023 deployment with CVW-7, aboard George H. W. Bush.
“I’m extraordinarily happy with the exhausting work and dedication of the Sailors, chiefs, and officers of the Bluetails,” stated Whitmore. “Throughout this deployment our squadron achieved unprecedented tasking and we not solely strived however excelled thus catapulting our group into the longer term. Serving because the commanding officer has been the distinction and privilege of my life. I want nothing however success for Cmdr. Campbell and the Bluetails of VAW-121.”
Throughout Whitmore’s tenure, the squadron accomplished a vigorous work-up cycle culminating in a 2022-2023 deployment. VAW-121 deployed in assist of precedence U.S. Sixth Fleet tasking. In complete, they gathered 1,530 complete flight hours, 565 provider landings and 503 sorties whereas below Whitmore’s management.
Campbell, from Cleveland, Tennessee, and a graduate of the USA Naval Academy, praised Whitmore’s management and addressed the squadron about the way forward for the Bluetails.
“I’m extraordinarily humbled and honored to be the forty seventh commanding officer of the Bluetails,” stated Campbell. “This was not like any deployment the E-2 group has ever seen and each step of the best way, this squadron carried out exceptionally. It’s a hundred percent as a result of Sailors we’ve at this command. It’s the Sailors that inspire and drive me. My solely objective is to foster an atmosphere the place they’ll develop and develop personally and professionally and really really feel like they’re being taken care of. Many because of commander Whitmore for leaving me with the best possible Hawkeye squadron within the fleet.”
George H. W. Bush is the flagship of Service Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, CVW-7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).
The ships of DESRON-26 inside CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).
The Squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard George H. W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin’ Canine” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of VAW-121, the “Patriots” of Digital Assault Squadron (VAQ) 140, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.
The George H.W. Bush CSG, is on a scheduled deployment within the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa space of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and accomplice pursuits.
