USS Nimitz Hosts Change of Command Ceremony

Vice Adm. David H. Buss relieved Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers as Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) during a change of command ceremony today aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Myers assumed command of CNAF in July 2010.

As the Navy’s “Air Boss,” he ensured that the U.S. Navy’s aviation forces provided ready assets that are immediately employable and continuously forward deployed. He also led the Naval Aviation Enterprise, a partnership between Navy and Marine Corps aviation organizations that work closely to improve processes for more efficient and effective naval aviation forces.

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. William E. Gortney complimented Myers and his staff on their amazing accomplishments.

“I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Air Boss and to thank the men and women of Air Forces and Air Forces Pacific,” said Gortney. “Quite frankly each and everyone of you knocked it out of the park.”

During his tenure, Myers oversaw the fleet acceptance of the P-8 Poseidon and E-2D Hawkeye, first operational deployment of the F/A-18G Growler, assisted with relief efforts in Japan as part of Operation Tomodachi, and organized the first NCAA basketball game held aboard an aircraft carrier, the Carrier Classic.

“Naval Aviation is incredibly successful and is in such high demand by our combatant commanders because we deliver!” declared Myers.

“We operate from the platform of the sea base and we provide the incredible payload,” Myer said. “As we execute CNO’s three tenets, Naval Aviation will be the payload our nation relies on to deliver effects from the sea, well into the future.”

Pacific Fleet Commander, Adm. Cecil Haney, presided over the ceremony, and presented Myers with the Distinguished Service Medal on behalf of the President for displaying extraordinary strategic vision, analytical insight and inspirational leadership as Commander, Naval Air Forces.

Haney also recognized Mrs. Judy Myers for her time and dedication to support Navy families and presented her with the Department of the Navy Superior Public Service Award.

After reading his orders, Buss thanked all those who have supported him during his career, and commended Myers on his superb leadership and amazing legacy.

Buss also addressed the men and women of Naval Air Forces and described the value of Naval Aviation.
“Naval Aviation’s incalculable value to this sovereign nation has never been…and should never be… in dispute,” said Buss. “But we are at an inflection point in our Navy and with Naval Aviation, make no mistake about that. Funding and resources could become tight. Tough choices will need to be made.”

Buss is a 1978 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and native of Lancaster, Pa. As a flag officer, Buss has served twice on the Chief of Naval Operations’ (CNO’s) staff and 14 months in Baghdad as Director, Strategy/Plans/Assessments (J-5) for the Multi-National Force Iraq under Gen. David Patreaus and Gen. Ray Odierno. His command tours include USS Sacramento (AOE 1), USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Carrier Strike Group12 aboard USS Enterprise, and Task Force 20 while serving as Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.

Myers will be assigned as the next Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8), at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

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Naval Today Staff, October 08, 2012; Image: US Navy