“Diamondbacks” Change Command Over USS George Washington
By MC3 David Cox, USS George Washington Public Affairs

(Right) Cmdr. David P. Little from the VFA 102 “Diamondbacks” chats with CTF 70 Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd , after a cake-cutting ceremony to honor the squadron’s change of command aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) July 11. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Danielle A. Brandt

Cmdr. Steven Hejmanowski from the “Diamondbacks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, relieved Cmdr. David Little, during a change of command ceremony above USS George Washington (CVN 73) July 11.

Little, a Glens Falls, New York native, said he was sad to be leaving the squadron, but will be transferring to Peterson Air Force Base and is hopeful for the future.

“Success is based on professionalism and you guys have shown me a level of professionalism that I am thoroughly proud of. To watch the continued success of the Diamondbacks and to watch you guys grow, it has truly been an honor to serve with you,” Little said. “Keep pushing, keep moving forward, it isn’t easy being the best, but you guys show them day in and day out that it takes hard work to make it happen.”

During the ceremony, Little and Hejmanowski performed a flyby over the George Washington symbolizing the changeover. Little broke away from the formation with flares engaged and Hejmanowski landed shortly after as the new commanding officer of VFA 102.

When Little arrived on the flight deck he was welcomed with a celebratory wash-down from his fellow shipmates, an aviation tradition when leaving a squadron.

The ceremony was attended by Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd from Carrier Strike Group Five/Task Force 70 (CTF 70), USS George Washington Commanding Officer Capt. David Lausman and Capt. Ross Myers from Carrier Air Wing 5.

Myers, a guest speaker at the event, spoke thoughtfully of Little and was enthusiastic about the new change.

“One thing about this change of command, it is swift, it is sweet and it is certain, you all saw his leadership day in and day out,” Myers said. “You’ve all seen where the Diamondbacks have come from, where they are today, and where they’re going tomorrow. The trajectory the Diamondbacks built started with Skipper Little and will now continue with the loyalty of Skipper Hejmanowski.”

Myers said that Little, who took command of VFA 102 in January 2008, instilled a culture of excellence in his shipmates. During Little’s command, the squadron achieved 5,445 mishap free flight hours in 3,144 sorties.

Hejmanowski, who has been with the Diamondbacks for 15 months previously serving as the executive officer, was thrilled to continue serving with the team. “I have a phenomenal team right now, from my executive officer, to a world class command master chief, to the whole crew,” said Hejmanowski. “I have the greatest motivated group of Sailors and we will continue to excel.”