Carrier Air Wing Eight Conducts Change of Command
09 August 2024
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, on Aug. 6 in which Capt. Dan Catlin relinquished his duties as Commander, CVW-8 to Capt. David Dartez.
Catlin led “Team Factory” during the nine-month maiden operational deployment of the first-in-class, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations (AOR), which included presence and deterrence operations in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In his remarks at the change of command ceremony, Catlin expressed his gratitude and extended his deepest respect to all the thousands of Sailors, Chiefs, and officers he has had the privilege of serving with over the course of his 25 years of naval service.
Dartez echoed Catlin’s comments to the Sailors, Chiefs and officers assigned to CVW-8.
“These true patriots ensure our mission success and represent our nation’s greatest strategic advantage,” Dartez said. His previous operational assignments include operational tours with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 “Sidewinders”, VFA-83 “Rampagers” and VFA-25 “Fist of the Fleet”.
He also specifically recognized the many sacrifices of the families who he considers to be among the greatest patriots counted on the list of those our nation calls national heroes.
Dartez assumes command of Commander, CVW-8 during basic phase as the air wing continues its next Optimized Fleet Response Plan cycle.
“I am extremely honored and humbled to take the helm of CVW-8,” Dartez said. “This world-class organization will continue to rise to our nation’s call, delivering sustained combat air power through full mission capable aircraft and trained warrior aircrew employing them.”
The mission of CVW-8 is to conduct offensive air operations from the deck of CVN 78 against both land and sea targets, provide for Carrier Strike Group Twelve defense, and conduct sustained air operations in support of allied forces as directed by the National Command Authority.
CVW-8 consists of FA-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons VFA-31 “Tomcatters”, VFA-37 “Ragin’ Bulls”, VFA-87 “Golden Warriors”, VFA-213 “Black Lions”, EA-18G squadron VAQ-142 “Gray Wolves”, E-2D squadron VAW-124 “Bear Aces”, MH-60S squadron HSC-9 “Tridents” and MH-60R squadron HSM-70 “Spartans”.