Cmdr. Christopher Corgnati was relieved as Patrol Squadron (VP) 1 commanding officer by Cmdr. Mark Rudesill in a ceremony held at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, May 8. 

During Corgnati’s tenure, he fostered a strong sense of pride for the squadron, the Patrol and Reconnaissance Community, and the Navy. Stressing operational excellence, the squadron successfully completed a demanding tri-site deployment and many important exercises culminating in VP-1 being awarded the Arnold J. Isbell Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Excellence Award for 2008. 

Furthermore, the squadron’s emphasis on Sailors and their careers resulted in the reception of the Commander, Pacific Fleet Retention Excellence Award. 

Corgnati and his family are moving to Washington D.C., where he will fulfill his orders to work for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Rudesill, the 66th commanding officer of the Screaming Eagles of VP-1, welcomes the challenge and opportunity.

“With this proud group of Sailors as a backbone, the squadron’s focus is clear… to be a combat ready aircrew and aircraft ready to operate globally,” said Rudesill. 

Rudesill is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and a graduate of the University of Tennessee. He and his wife Charla have two children, Bobby and Ashleigh. 

Cmdr. Troy Bauder will assume the duties of VP-1 executive officer.