The Rangers of Training Squadron (VT) 28 held a change-of-command ceremony late last month at the Naval Air Station in Texas to see Commander James Morrison relieve Marlton native and commander James McNamee.
Headquartered at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, CNATRA (Chief of Naval Air Training) oversees the Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM) of five air wings and 17 training squadrons in Florida, Mississippi and Texas. The command is responsible for safely conducting primary, intermediate and advanced flight training for the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and allied international student naval aviators and flight officers.
VT-28 is one of two primary training squadrons at the Naval Air Station. Its primary training consists of several instructional phases of flight in a single-engine; turbo prop; and ejection seat aircraft, as well as takeoff and landing, emergency procedures, aerobatics, formation and instrument flying.
The knowledge and skills developed in VT-28 are a fundamental framework for a trainee’s continued success in the quest for the Wings of Gold, a coveted insignia awarded to high-quality Navy and Marine aviators upon completion of their flight training.
During the airborne change of command, Morrison assumed all duties and responsibilities from McNamee as the VT-28 commanding officer. A symbolic formation flight and lead change signifies the transition of leadership in the squadron and serves as a demonstration for those in attendance.
Capt. Christopher Penn, commodore of Training Air Wing (TW) 4, presented McNamee with the meritorious service medal for his conduct and performance as a commander. The 2006 graduate of the University of Maryland earned his Wings of Gold in 2008.
McNamee served as the commanding officer of VT-28 beginning in December 2024, overseeing the successful execution of 17,800 flight hours and 14,418 sorties, and graduated 285 student aviators.
“Holding the title of ‘Skipper’ has been the greatest honor of my Naval career,” McNamee said. “To the instructor pilots: You are the heart of this squadron. Take care of one another and continue to hold the standard … Mentor your (trainees) and help shape the fleet with the best professional aviators in the world.”
