VRC-40 Holds Change of Command Ceremony

VRC-40 Holds Change of Command Ceremony

by Lt. Maureen Day, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public AffairsPublic Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. - Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, the "Rawhides," held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 2, to mark a transition of command leadership.

Cmdr. Brett Cameron, a native of Pinon Hills, California, assumed all duties and responsibilities as VRC-40 commanding officer from Cmdr. Andrew Dumm, a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

During his tour, Dumm led VRC-40's efforts to sustain carrier onboard delivery missions across the Atlantic and Pacific in the U.S. Navy's Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Fleet area of operations with five simultaneous C-2A Greyhound detachments - a first in their 64-year history.

"Being a Rawhide is about teamwork, it's about taking this small group, taking them around the world to wherever the carrier transits," said Dumm.

After their sister squadron, VRC-30, disestablished in 2023, Dumm led VRC-40 in the maintenance and operations of the last C-2A Greyhound aircraft as the platform continues toward its sundown scheduled for late 2026.

"It has been incredible to see these men and women- our Sailors- work together to accomplish a common goal," Dumm said, who also recognized his relief and thanked him for his leadership as the VRC-40 executive officer assumed command.

"I'm humbled to have the privilege to lead the Rawhides during this unique time in the Carrier Onboard Delivery [COD] community's history," Cameron said. "It's a testament to the leadership of Skipper Dumm, and the dedication and professionalism of the entire VRC-40-team - comprised of supremely talented maintainers, naval aircrew, administrative support staff, Chief Petty Officers, and officers."

Cameron praised the squadron for surging five simultaneous detachments to ensure that time-critical COD service to the Fleet remained seamless.

"Whether it's a piece of equipment allowing a F/A-18 to launch off the front of the boat, the technical expert who is going to fix the arresting gear, or a care package from home," Cameron said. "That's what we do, delivering readiness in all of its forms."

Cameron's previous assignments include VRC-40 executive officer, U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, and VRC-30.

VRC-40's mission is to provide airborne logistics support to underway aircraft carriers and secondary missions as directed by Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. They maintain and fly the Navy's final 15 C-2A Greyhound aircraft, and they have 310 enlisted personnel, 52 officers, and 34 chief petty officers.

Cameron thanked all supporters of VRC-40 across naval aviation.

"We certainly couldn't have done it on our own, and the support we have received - across the entirety of Naval Aviation, from Airman Recruit to Air Boss - has been phenomenal at every step. I look forward to seeing what our team will accomplish between now and platform sundown," Cameron said.

Naval Air Force Atlantic is responsible for six nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 55 aircraft squadrons, 1,200 aircraft and 52,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel with priorities focused on warfighting, people, and readiness by providing combat ready, sustainable naval air forces with the right personnel, properly trained and equipped, with a focus on readiness, operational excellence, interoperability, safety, and efficient resourcing.