The Grey Knights of Patrol Squadron 46 celebrated their 73rd change of command May 22. After serving one year as commanding officer and guiding the squadron through a combat deployment in the 5th Fleet area of operations, Cmdr. Carlos Sardiello was relieved by Cmdr. Mark Hamilton. 

For Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, VP-46s change of command ended a very compressed turnover season that began May 1 with Patrol Squadron 40 “Fighting Marlins” changing hands as Cmdr. Michael McClintock relieved Christopher Saindon. VP-40 has since departed for a six-month deployment with 5th and 6th Fleets supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and other European Command missions.

The following week, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 “Rangers” celebrated their leadership’s turnover as Cmdr. Brett Coffey assumed command from Cmdr. Robert Pauley, May 7 and the Patrol Squadron 1 “Screaming Eagles” followed suit the next day with Cmdr. Mark Rudesill relieving Cmdr. Christopher Corgnati.

The season continued May 14 as the Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 “World Watchers” held their change as Cmdr. Michael Giannetti took over for Cmdr. James Gibson.

“It is with a great sense of pride that we celebrate the end of each commanding officer’s extraordinary level of commitment, sense of duty and superb leadership each brought to bear within the command during their tours,” said Capt. Ken Seliga, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10. “We look forward to the energy and leadership each new commanding officer will bring in the year ahead.”