Carrier Air Wing 7 Changes Command aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 held a change of command ceremony while deployed aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE), Dec. 2.

Capt. Terry S. Morris relieved Capt. Samuel J. Paparo in front of assembled squadrons of CVW-7, members of IKE, Carrier Strike Group 8 and Destroyer Squadron 28 staffs in the ship’s hangar bay.

Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 8, was the guest speaker. He congratulated Paparo on the many successes CVW-7 has enjoyed under his command. Manazir then went on to wish Morris the best as he takes the reigns.

“It has been my absolute pleasure to watch Sam Paparo lead,” said Manazir. “To grab a hold of an entire ship and be able to infuse his passion, not only down into his aviators but his maintainers and leaders of the ship, is phenomenal.”

Before reading his orders, Paparo spoke about his time as commander of CVW-7.

“It has been an absolute joy serving for you,” said Paparo. “I would like to thank all of the squadron commanding officers, executive officers and [command master chiefs] deeply. It was my very high honor to serve you and the brave Sailors of the five-star team. I give many thanks and, again, it has been a tremendous honor serving with you.”

A native of Philadelphia, Paparo received his commission from Aviation Officer Candidate School and his pilot’s wings in Kingsville, Texas. Paparo’s first assignment was with the Tophatters of Fighter Squadron (VF) 14 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. until 1995. He then served with the U.S. Air Force on a personnel exchange program, where he flew F-15C Eagles with the Ironmen of the 71st Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Paparo’s first staff assignment was with Commander, Naval Air Forces as the F/A-18 Training, Readiness and Requirements Officer from March 2002 until August 2004. His first tour as a commanding officer was with the Dambusters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 in Yokosuka, Japan from 2004 to 2006.

Paparo again served in a joint capacity by commanding a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan until April of 2008 serving with the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Paparo reported to CVW-7 as deputy commander in October 2009 and then assumed responsibilities as commander on Aug. 4, 2011.

Morris is from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He enlisted in the Navy in June 1983 and was commissioned through the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) Program. He was winged a Naval Flight Officer in November 1990.

His operational assignments include deployments to the Balkans for combat operations in Kosovo, counter-narcotics operations in Central America and humanitarian and relief operations in Turkey, Iraq, and Guam. Morris served as commanding officer for Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 and participated in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring freedom for two deployments.
Morris said he is looking forward to his time as commander of CVW-7.

“This morning we say farewell to one of America’s greatest heroes until he returns again to sail, fly and command at sea again,” said Morris. “I pledge to you my commitment to the completion of supporting Eisenhower Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing 7.”

Capt. Fredrick R. Luchtman assumed duties as CVW-7 deputy commander.

CVW-7 is based out of NAS Oceana, Va. CVW-7 includes the Nightdippers of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 5, the Bluetails of VAW-121, the Patriots of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the Rampagers of VFA-83, the Jolly Rogers of VFA-103, the Wildcats of VFA-131, and the Pukin Dogs of VFA-143.

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Naval Today Staff, December 5, 2012; Image: US Navy