VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Naval Station Oceana welcomed new leadership to Carrier Air Wing 7 during a Change of Command Ceremony Wednesday morning.
"Change of command ceremonies represent the passing of responsibility from one leader to the next," said Capt. Alex L. Hampton, the outgoing Carrier Air Wing 7 Commander.
According to the U.S. Navy, a change of command ceremony is a formal event where the leadership of a naval unit, such as a ship, squadron, or air wing, is officially transferred from one commanding officer to another – a traditional and significant occasion.
Hampton said the event was both amazing and emotional for him, and called "the business" family-oriented.
He said he's also learned a lot from his Deputy Commander Air Group (DCAG)Capt. Martin N. Fentress Jr. over the past year and a half.
Fentress officially relieved Hampton of duty at the regularly scheduled change of command on Wednesday at the Strike Fighter Squadron 105 Hangar.
"This is a dream come true," said Fentress.
For the better part of 24 years, Fentress said he has always wanted to be a carrier wing commander and is thrilled to have the opportunity to not only serve with Hampton but for him too.
"Alex Hampton is a tremendous leader," said Fentress, "but most important was, not only was he my mentor, but he was – he is my friend."
NAS Oceana's Commander Carrier Air Wing 7, also known as the Commander Air Group (CAG) primarily deploys with the USS George HW Bush but had recently deployed short time with other carriers.
Fentress said over the next few months, Carrier Air Wing 7 will start a work-up cycle as they prepare to deploy on USS George HW Bush in 2026.
Hampton will now become Chief of Staff for Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic in Norfolk.