“Congratulations on your assignment
to the finest strike fighter squadron in the Navy. . .
The World Famous Red Rippers!”
As the current Commanding Officer, I would like to welcome you and I look forward to your arrival. The Red Rippers report operationally to Commander, Carrier Air Wing ONE and administratively to Commander, Strike Fighter Wing, Atlantic. We fly the two seat variant of the Navy’s newest strike fighter aircraft the F/A-18F Super Hornet. The F/A-18F model was designed for traditional air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, forward air control (airborne), air defense suppression and day/night precision strike, the F/A-18F at the same time increases strike mission survivability and supplements the fleet air defense. We deploy on board the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) as part of Carrier Air Wing ONE. We are very happy to have you join our community and hope that your tour with the Red Rippers will be both demanding and exhilarating. This will be an exciting, fast paced tour and I look forward to serving alongside you as you perform at your best and advance in your career.
We accomplish our mission by making our Sailors and their families our most important resource. As such, our priority is to ensure a smooth transition to the squadron for you and your family. As soon as we receive your orders, you will be assigned a sponsor by our Command Master Chief and a welcome aboard package will be mailed to you. If you are currently under orders and have not received a sponsor or package, please contact Ripper Combat Admin who will forward your request to our command's sponsorship coordinator, and will ensure your welcome aboard package is forwarded to you as soon as possible. Please contact your sponsor at your earliest convenience and let him/her know what additional information or assistance may be required.
If you have any family matters or concerns please contact our ombudsman. Ombudsmen are highly trained volunteers who provide support, guidance and act as official liaisons between the command and its families. The flexibility to evolve with the Navy and adapt to the uniqueness of each command is the source of strength that allows the Navy Family Ombudsman Program to fulfill its mission of assisting the command by serving the needs of its families.
Welcome aboard and we look forward to your arrival!