VS-31 'Topcats' disestablished during ceremony

The event began as former VS-24 commanding officers in attendance were recognized as they walked through a row of sideboys before taking their seats.

After the other officials were recognized, the Naval Hospital Jax Color Guard presented the colors as Navy Band Southeast performed the national anthem. The invocation was given by Chaplain (Lt.) Azariah Robinson of the NAS Jax Chapel.

The guest speaker for the event was retired Navy Capt. William Carey, a former commander of Sea Control Wing U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

Hundreds of former and current military members and their families attended the event. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

"I'm here today because I love being part of the Topcat lore and history. If you look in the audience today and if you think back through the years, the history and accomplishments of this fine squadron are really mind-boggling," said Carey.

"For the Topcats and former Topcats who are here today, you are ushering out this fine squadron in great fashion. Many of you will go on to other commands to support the naval aviation enterprise and the world's greatest maritime force. And, it's something to be proud of. I know that I'm proud I was part of it many years ago. I can think of no better tribute for the VS community than the 'best of the best' continuing to support naval aviation."

VS-31 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Muhammad Muzzafar Khan is piped over the side at the end of the disestablishment ceremony. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

"Seeing all the former Topcats here today is impressive. VS-31 became the first Atlantic Fleet VS squadron in 1949, one of many firsts that this squadron has realized. This squadron has supported many foreign policy decisions and many crises," continued Carey. "They supported the Suez Canal Crisis and they were the first squadron to deploy and arrive on station to support Operation Desert Shield, literally within days of the invasion of Kuwait. And on 9/11, the squadron simultaneously deployed to two different aircraft carriers."

"This is kind of a bittersweet moment. Those of us who are former VS-31 members, there is a part of us that is still in that airplane, here and at NAS Cecil Field. But it's good to come back and see all the young people who man this squadron; the level of proficiency and professionalism they have," Carey stated. "There are times that I wish I was back on the aircraft carrier with the deck pitching, getting ready to man up, smelling the JP5, getting in the jet and getting ready to catapult. Life just doesn't get much better than that."

"To the heroes who are present VS-31 Topcats, you should be excited for your future because your future is limitless. As you move on to your new commands, go with the confidence that you have shown here, but go with the humbleness that you will need to move forward," concluded Carey.

Guest speaker retired Navy Capt. William Carey, former commander of Sea Control Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, informs guests of the accomplishments VS-31 has contributed to the Navy during their 60 years of distinguished service at the squadron's disestablishment ceremony March 27. Photo by MC1(AW) Toiete Jackson

Also giving some remarks during the ceremony was Capt. Sterling Gilliam, commander, Carrier Air Wing Nine. " I am honored and fortunate to be associated with some tremendous S-3 squadrons but none of them have come close to the sustained operational achievements of VS-31. When I recently completed a seven-and-a-half month deployment on board USS John C. Stennis, VS-31 was the backbone of my air wing and I could not have accomplished our mission without them. Topcats, this is a fitting conclusion to 60 years of service, you've done well." he said shortly before presenting VS-31 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Muhammad Muzzafar Khan with a Meritorious Service Medal for his dedicated service to the squadron.

Khan then took the podium to give his final remarks as commanding officer of the squadron. ""When I took command of this fine squadron, I was on 'cloud nine.' And that's where I remain since that day. It's been one phenomenal experience. I've been living a dream the last year," said Khan. "For a kid growing up in Pakistan, we heard about the capabilities of the U.S. military and we were in absolute awe. And then, we would hear about the U.S. Navy in the Indian Ocean, and sometimes see the aircraft carriers conducting flight operations, and I was so impressed. But never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that I'd be commanding a U.S. Navy squadron. As a new recruit, I didn't think that was possible. But only in this great Navy can an immigrant reach as high as the goal he sets for himself. This is truly the land of opportunity."

"It is testament to our diversity and equal opportunity policies, we are all about people and rewarding hard work. If you look behind you, you can see the brave men and women of VS-31. It's a sad sight to see only one-third of the squadron here, but we had an enormous number of transfers," Khan continued.

Commander, Carrier Air Wing Nine Capt. Sterling Gilliam, right, pins the Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Service Medal on VS-31 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Muhammad Muzzafar Khan during the ceremony. Photo by MC1(AW) Toiete Jackson

"These men and women are exceedingly committed to their duties. While on deployment for seven and a half months, I watched them work 14-plus hours every day to fulfill their duties. The commitment that's made everyday by these men and women makes me proud to be an American and honored to be a steward of this fine squadron. I have reached my command goals by standing on the shoulders of these giants, therefore I'd like to dedicate this ceremony to the talented and motivated folks of VS-31 both present and past."

"Topcats, I have enjoyed watching you succeed and build skills that will help you transition to other communities. I thank you for your leadership and dedication. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you. Your professionalism made my job extremely easy. Our successes are the result of not one person but the entire Topcat team," Khan remarked.

"I would also like to dedicate this ceremony to our families. What we do is not easy. We often pack up and go to sea and our families know they are second to the job. They are our strength, heart and soul. They make a tremendous sacrifice and we appreciate their love and support so we can provide our nation with brave men and women and preserve our freedom," said Khan.

VS-31 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Muhammad Muzzafar Khan, presents his son, Gabriel with his command pin with the stipulation that he join the Navy and become a commanding officer someday. Photo by MC1(AW) Toiete Jackson

The ceremony closed with reading "The Watch" and the stand-down of two VS-31 pilots at the cockpit of the squadron's last S-3B Viking aircraft.

VS-31 Sailors, past and present, have proudly served from the Jacksonville area since 1973. Previously located at NAS Quonset Point, R.I., the squadron moved to NAS Cecil Field and eventually to its current home base of NAS Jacksonville.

In August 2007, VS-31 returned from its last deployment in the Arabian Gulf on board USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Flying the S-3 "Viking" multi-mission aircraft, VS-31 is comprised of 190 squadron members and eight aircraft. All but two of their S-3 aircraft have been reassigned to other VS squadrons. Two VS squadrons remain active at NAS Jacksonville.