Mission accomplished

Guest speaker Capt. Kyle Cozad, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11, told the large audience, "Wing Eleven was at the forefront of change in naval aviation in October 2006 when we combined four squadron-level maintenance departments into a single unit of maintainers - established as Consolidated Maintenance Organization 11. From the very start, the 'Black Tips' embraced change and set the example for our maritime patrol and reconnaissance community. Today, the change that you led has come full circle."

"Although the reasons for wing-level maintenance were sound, our return to organic, squadron-level maintenance is consistent with how we intend to operate the P-8 Poseidon in the near future. Today, I want to focus on the enduring qualities that ensured success at CMO-11. The glue that holds every organization together is leadership. When Cmdr. Pat McCormick assumed command of CMO-11 in March 2008, I urged him to let his officers and chiefs focus on fixing airplanes - while he focused on his people. As a result, his priorities of professionalism and putting Sailors first permeated the hangar bays. People saw he was sincere and genuine in his concern for Sailors who work hard to keep P-3s flying safely. In fact, he had the CMO-11 motto painted on the hangar wall for all to see," said Cozad.

Then NAS Jacksonville Ceremonial Color Guard parades the colors as Navy Band Southeast performs the national anthem at the CMO-11 Disestablishment Ceremony March 6 at Hangar 1000.

According to Cozad, McCormick's professionalism never faltered when the return to squadron-level maintenance was announced last fall. He accepted it as another challenge and kept his focus on his Sailors. McCormick also worked with the wing's VP squadron skippers to create a seamless process that worked safely and effectively - while continuing to fly hundreds of missions locally and around the world.

"I want to thank everyone who has been part of the Black Tip organization since its inception in 2006. Our community owes you a debt of gratitude for accepting the challenge to create such a professional operation. Rear Adm. Bill Moran, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, asked me to convey the following message," said Cozad. "I know how difficult disestablishment is for the Black Tips. I want to recognize your leadership for its commitment to making CMO-11 a success, and for your everlasting faith in your Sailors' devotion to do the job right during their CMO journey."

McCormick told the audience that Black Tips detachments are still deployed to safely and effectively support global P-3 operations.

(From left) After transferring Wing 11 maintenance responsibility back to the squadron level, former CMO-11 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Pat McCormick recognizes VP-16 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Mark Creasey, VP-45 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gordon Wilson and VP-62 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Scott Fuller.

"Just this week, I received a Bravo-Zulu from Commodore Moore in Sigonella, Italy for the Black Tips' support of a multi-national exercise. Simultaneously, halfway around the world, we still have Black Tips supporting counter-drug missions in Central America, as well as supporting anti-submarine missions deployed from Japan," said McCormick.

"Regardless of how our units are configured, what we do matters because our long range anti-submarine aircraft are vital to the fleet and critical to the Navy's operational strategy. Our fine men and women did their job proudly prior to and during their tours with CMO-11. I have no doubt they will continue to serve honorably as "Mad Foxes," "Broadarrows," "War Eagles" and "Pelicans." I will certainly miss the unique opportunity of working together as Black Tips, and I wish each of you the best throughout your Navy careers," concluded McCormick.

(From left) Capt. Kyle Cozad, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11looks on as CMO-11 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Pat McCormick and CMDCM Gary Dryer display the framed commissioning pennant that was ceremoniously "hauled down" at the conclusion of the CMO-11 Disestablishment Ceremony March 6 at NAS Jacksonville.