Cmdr. Bertram W. Wagner will transfer command of the VR-61 Islanders to Cmdr. Andrew T. Bishop tomorrow, Feb. 12 during a traditional change of command ceremony held at 2 p.m. in Hangar, NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.

Capt. Eric G. Petersen, former VR-61 Commanding Officer and former Commander of the Fleet Logistics Support Wing will be the distinguished guest speaker. Petersen has amassed over 4,000 flight hours in various Navy aircraft and reported as Deputy Commander, Naval Air Forces Reserve in January.

“It has been a great opportunity to lead the Islanders of VR-61. I have never worked with a more professional and dedicated group of people,” said Wagner. “Their ability to maintain our aircraft with such high standards; respond to short-notice critical tasking around the world; and provide support for fellow Sailors, has been impressive. 

The Islanders enjoyed a safe and successful 16 months with Wagner at the helm. During his tenure, the squadron was awarded the Battle E, CNO Safety S, CFLSW Operational Excellence and Retention Excellence awards.  The Islanders accrued over 4,200 flight hours under his guidance and surpassed 28 years and 117,000 Class A Mishap-free flight hours.

“The ability of VR-61 to be a critical part of the Navy’s mission has been possible because every member of the Islander team has worked in unison with a common goal - Support for the Fleet,” said Wagner. His next tour of duty will the commanding officer of TSC NR0389, attached to Navy Operational Support Center on NAS Whidbey Island.

Bishop calls Allentown, Penn., home.

He graduated from the University of Rochester with a bachelor’s degree in history and was subsequently commissioned in May 1993. After completing flight training, he received his designation as a Naval Aviator in April 1996. For his initial tour, Bishop served with HSL-44, flying the SH-60B Seahawk at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. 

In 2000, Bishop reported to VT-27 in Corpus Christi, Texas, as an instructor. In 2003, he became a member of the full time support community with VR-61 Islanders. He returned to his helicopter background for his next tour flying the HH-60H with HCS-4 where he deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned an MBA from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

He then reported to VR-52, NAS Willow Grove, Penn. Since rejoining the Islanders in October 2009 as executive officer, Bishop has served on two overseas detachments and flown numerous missions including many in support of Operation Noble Eagle.

The incoming Executive Officer is Cmdr. Darren Donley, a Selected Reservist who has been affiliated with VR-61 since 2004. Prior to 2004, he flew the EA-6B Prowler and was stationed in Atsugi, Japan, and Whidbey Island, WA. Donley’s civilian employment is with the VAQ Wing as the Training Device Manager for all Prowler and Growler flight simulators.

VR-61 was established Oct. 1, 1982 and currently has 240 personnel. It has a fleet of three C-9B aircraft. All of these aircraft have cargo doors and long range fuel tanks which are actively used to support worldwide rapid movement of Navy and Marine Corps personnel and cargo as well as supporting the Joint Logistics Mission. VR-61 maintains detachment sites in three locations: Atsugi, Sigonella, and Bahrain. VR-61 is one of only four C-9B squadrons in the United States Navy and has been identified for future transition to the C-40A Clipper.