USA: VFA-106 Commanding Officer Relieved of Duties

The commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Six (VFA-106) based at Naval Air Station Oceana was relieved of his duties Aug. 26 by Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic.

Cmdr. Edward C. White was relieved by Rear Adm. Michael Shoemaker due to loss of confidence in his ability to command following the preliminary findings of an on-going command investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a female Department of the Navy civilian employee.

Cmdr. Brent Blackmer has replaced White as the “Gladiators” commander. Blackmer was originally scheduled to take command of the squadron on Sept. 26 in a regularly scheduled change of command. Blackmer previously commanded the “Ragin’ Bulls” of VFA-37. His most recent assignment was at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

White has commanded VFA-106 since June 2012. He has been temporarily assigned to Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic pending final results of the investigation.

VFA-106 is the east coast Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) whose mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 replacement pilots and Weapons Systems Operators (WSO) to support fleet requirements. The squadron is composed of approximately 1,200 enlisted and officer Navy and Marine Corps personnel and more than 90 F/A-18A/C/D/E/F aircraft.

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Press Release, August 27, 2013; Image: Navy