Last change of command

Piritz attended California Polytechnic University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He was commissioned through the Aviation Officer Candidate program and designated an ensign in November 1985.

Upon designation as a naval flight officer in March 1987, Piritz reported to VS-41 in San Diego, for initial S-3A Viking flight training. He reported to the "Sawbucks" of VS-37 in January 1988 stationed at NAS North Island, Calif. making two deployments to the Indian Ocean in support of Operation Desert Shield.

In February 1991, Piritz was assigned to VS-41 as a fleet replacement squadron instructor. In June 1993, Piritz reported to the USS Tripoli (LPH-10) and served as the ship's navigator. During this tour, he deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Support Hope and Vigilant Warrior and achieved the surface warfare officer qualification. In October 1995, he reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, DC serving as the VS junior officer detailer.

Piritz reported to the "Red Griffins" of VS-38 in March 1998 for his department head tour. During this tour, he deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Upon completion of his department head tour, he reported to VS-41 as the executive officer in February 2000 where he was selected for operational command and slated to the "Maulers" of VS-32.

Capt. Joseph McClain

He reported as executive officer of VS-32 two weeks after 9/11 and immediately deployed to the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the war against terrorism. Piritz assumed command of VS-32 in May 2002. In September 2003, he reported to USS Nimitz as the air boss. He made one deployment to the North Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He then attended the Joint Forces Staff College to complete his joint education en route to a NATO assignment at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium. During this tour he was selected for major command.

McClain's next assignment will be Department of the Navy Staff Office of Legislative Affairs in Washington, DC.

Sea Control Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, was established in April 1973 as the command wing for all operational S-3 "Viking" aircraft on the U.S. East Coast. After 24 years at NAS Cecil Field, the wing relocated to NAS Jacksonville in 1997.

The staff is charged with maintaining the material and operational readiness of three Atlantic Fleet fixed wing, carrier-based sea control squadrons. The wing also serves as the immediate superior of the Sea Control Weapons School.

The Sea Control Wing provides the oversight and community guidance for all surface and electronic warfare issues, maintenance developments, and operational readiness factors impacting the VS community.

This will be the last change of command ceremony in the history of the S-3 "Viking" community, as the community is scheduled for decommissioning in early 2009.