VFA-103 Holds Change of Command
25 September 2025
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, stationed aboard Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia, held a change of command ceremony to mark a transition of command leadership, Sept. 12.
During the change of command event, Cmdr. William E. Dann, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, assumed all duties and responsibilities as the VFA-103 Commanding Officer from Jonathan M. Gilliom, of Charlottesville, Virginia.
During Gilliom’s time at VFA-103, the “Jolly Rogers” supported the first successful operational deployment of USS George Washington (CVN 73) in six years, delivering the aircraft carrier to San Diego, California, for a follow-on redeployment. The Jolly Rogers achieved above-average performance in all maintenance inspections, notably attaining a perfect score of 500 out of 500 on the Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection (CWTPI). The unit received recognition as Best in Class for the Retention Excellence Award for two consecutive years. Furthermore, the squadron’s design served as the inspiration for the 2024-2025 Army vs. Navy “Fear the Bones” uniform, which was subsequently adopted for multiple Navy sports programs, including basketball, track, lacrosse, and baseball.
“This tour has been the most rewarding two and a half years of my career. While we as a Navy preach taking care of our people starting early in our career, it is difficult to truly prepare for situations where the service members’ and the command’s interests are at odds; where taking care of the Sailor and executing the mission don’t exactly go hand in hand.” Gilliom said. “Personally, I have found that investing in our Sailors, even at the expense of the mission when it is possible, has always paid off in the long run. When we show our Sailors how much we value them, they not only begin to value themselves more, but they also work to continue earning that trust.”
Gilliom added, “Magic Legs [Dann] is prepared to assume command. He has the right demeanor, courage, and patience needed to lead. The Jolly Rogers are ready for the change of leadership and stand prepared to carry out orders in defense of the nation.”
After Dann assumed command, he laid out his goals for his Sailors.
“I want every Sailor to understand the importance of our mission, the critical role they have in achieving that mission, and their own personal ‘why’ that drives their passion to improve themselves and each other,” Dann said. “When it is time to deploy, we need a united team that is manned and ready for sustained combat operations. That preparation requires us to lean forward, embrace failures, and continue learning on a daily basis.”
Dann went on to say although the command is in a period of transition with many new faces, the core mission of the squadron remains the same.
“I’ve lost count of how many Sailors leaving this command have voiced their desire to stay – a true testament to Commander Gilliom’s leadership and the culture of excellence he enabled,” Dann said. “I am humbled to have such a unique opportunity to lead Team Victory, and excited to build on our accomplishments as we finish our workup cycle and head into deployment!”
VFA-103’s Mission is to provide combat ready aircraft and combat ready aircrew to obtain “Victory in Combat.”