By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sam Jenkins, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Cmdr. William M. Mathis, a native of Houston, was relieved by Cmdr. Juston R. Kuch during a Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 “Blue Blasters” change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Nov. 15.

With the traditional exchange of salutes, Kuch relieved Mathis and assumed all duties and responsibilities as the commanding officer of VFA-34 in a ceremony attended by distinguished visitors, family, and VFA-34 crew.

Mathis expressed his appreciation for his squadron during his tenure at VFA-34.

“I absolutely loved being the commanding officer for VFA-34 and will miss this job. Being part of this fantastic team has been the highest privilege of my professional life,” said Mathis. “Blasters take care of our people. Blasters take care of our jets, and Blasters take care of our command. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”

Mathis also received the Meritorious Service Medal for sustained superior performance while serving as commanding officer of VFA-

Mathis inspired VFA-34 with a unified vision which helped them meet and surpass all mission requirements during the completion of an arduous Fleet Readiness Training work-up cycle, six cross-country movements of 10 F/A-18C aircraft, and a Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) deployment, directly contributing to the mission success of Carrier Strike Group One (CSG-1) and Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2).

Under Mathis' exceptional leadership VFA-34 were awarded the 2018 CNAF Battle “E” and 2018 CNO Safety “S” Award.

VFA-34 is a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron stationed at NAS Oceana located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 8 and are attached to the aircraft carrier, USS George H. W. Bush.

Super Hornets are an all-weather aircraft used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter. In its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for interdiction and air support.