The Sailors of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 welcomed a new commanding officer in a change of command ceremony held at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Nov. 27.
Capt. Kevin “NIX” Mannix relieved Capt. Gregory “HYFI” Harris as Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao , Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) Eleven, served as the event’s guest speaker, saying he looks forward to working with Mannix and CVW-11 during the strike group’s upcoming deployment aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the spring of 2012.
“CVW-11 is an example of leadership done right,” Gumataotao said. “Under the leadership of these men, this airwing has proven themselves to be professional warriors.”
According to Mannix, “There is no higher honor in the United States Navy than to be entrusted with leading our sailors out at sea.”
Mannix previously served as both CVW-11 and CVW-14 deputy commander and has flown over 5,000 hours in carrier-based tactical aircraft, with over 4,000 in the F/A-18 Hornet. He has made more than 1,100 carrier arrested landings on 12 different carriers. Captain Mannix’ initial command tour was with VFA-27 “Royal Maces” in Atsugi, Japan onboard the USS KITTY HAWK.
Under his command, the squadron earned the Battle “E”, CNO Safety “S”, the Association of Naval Aviation McClusky, and Golden Anchor awards in 2005 and 2006. His follow-on command tour was as the Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels.
Mannix is a native of Lindenhurst, New York and a 1986 graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College. Originally assigned to fly the A-7E Corsair II for his first two fleet assignments, he later transitioned to the F/A-18. He has made seven operational deployments during Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Tomodachi.
CVW-11 consists of eight aircraft squadrons flying F/A-18C/E/F Hornets and Super Hornets, E2-C Hawkeyes, EA-6B Prowlers, and MH60S/R Seahawks. More than 1,700 personnel are assigned to CVW-11 as part of the Nimitz Strike Group.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 3, 2012; Image: US Navy