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December 10, 2021

Navy's VFA131 Changes Command

Aerial Ceremony Installs Cmdr. Erin E. Flint

The U.S. Navy's VFA 131, the Wildcats, have held a change of command for their new Commander Erin E. Flint, of Gloversville, New York. She assumed responsibilities from previous commander Samuel P. Morrison, of Lexington, Illinois during an aerial changing of command event. While he lead VFA 131, Commander Morrison saw the Wildcats through a series of back-to-back deployments on the USS Eisenhower, netting the Battle E award for their accomplishments. Morrison felt confident in handing over his unit to "one of his best friends in the U.S. Navy, saying Flint will do an incredible job with VFA 131.

Fast-Roping Helicopter Insertion Resulted in Catastrophic Fall

Naval Special Warfare Command identified Commander Brian Bourgeois, 43, who fell while fast-roping down from a helicopter during an exercise in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The specific circumstances of the accident have not been fully investigated at this time, but those familiar with the rapid airborne insertion technique are familiar with common points of failure. The loss of an experienced, quality leader and O-5 officer is a tremendous blow to the command, and the Navy at large.