The Totems of Patrol Squadron (VP) 69 at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island said farewell, Nov. 7, to their 29th commanding officer, Cmdr James A. Nelson, who was replaced by Cmdr. Hebert F. Frederick.

Following active duty assignments with Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 at Moffett Field, Calif., and VP-30 in Jacksonville, Fla., Nelson’s association with VP-69 began as a Selected Reservist in 1999 after leaving active duty. Balancing his military commitments with a fulltime career as a MD-80/737 First Officer with Alaska Airlines, Nelson served as a department head in each of VP-69s departments, including Operations and NATOPS/Standardization. After serving as executive officer for 15 months, Nelson assumed command in September 2008.

During Nelson’s tour as CO the Sailors of VP-69 successfully completed more than 300 sorties and 1,450 mishap-free flight hours. Moreover, VP-69 crews participated in two 3rd Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercises, three Strike Group Exercises, and directly supported Counter-Narcotics operations for US Southern Command. In all, the Totems contributed 61 detachment days, 15 sorties, and 107 flight hours of operational support to the fleet.

Nelson will report to the Maritime Partnership Program Detachment 118 in Denver, Colo., where he will serve as the Operations and Training Planner.

Frederick served with VP-46 at NAS Whidbey Island and VP-30 at NAS Jacksonville. In 1999, Frederick transitioned to the Full Time Support officer program and was assigned to the air station, Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans, La. with VP-94 and Commander Reserve Patrol Wing at Willow Grove, Penn.  Later he served as the final Officer in Charge for VP-65, and then returned to New Orleans as the VP Program Manager for Commander Navy Air Force Reserve. Frederick reported as executive officer for the VP-69 Totems in July of 2008.