McHarg takes command of
Carrier Air Wing FIVE

A change-of-command ceremony was held aboard Independence Saturday morning in the ship's forecastle. During the ceremony, Capt. Richard O. McHarg officially assumed command as the 54th Commander of Carrier Air Wing FIVE.

Serving as Deputy Commander of Carrier Air Wing FIVE since Oct. 1997, McHarg succeeds Capt. Richard J. Mauldin who is transferring to Arlington, Va. where he'll serve as the Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems Directorate (J6), Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff.

McHarg's first command tour was VA-115 in September of 1993. During his tour, the VA-115 Eagles were recognized for superior performance through a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

McHarg has accumulated more than 3,600 flight hours and 800 carrier arrested landings. His assignments have ranged from the Strikes Operations Officer for the Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN to the Strike Programs Assistant for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development, and Acquisition.) In 1986, McHarg became the Executive Officer of the newly established Medium Attack Weapons School Pacific, based in Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Wash.

The Bedford, Mass. native earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Rochester, New York. McHarg received his commission in December of 1975 through the NROTC two-year program.

McHarg's first assignment was Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, as a student Naval Flight Officer. After flight training, McHarg reported to the A-6 Replacement Training Squadron for Bombardier/Navigator training.

During his 22-years of service, McHarg has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (Two Awards), Strike/Flight Air medal, Naval Commendation Medal (Five Awards), Navy Achievement Medal and various other unit and service awards.

Rear Adm. Charles W. Moore, Jr., Battle Force SEVENTH Fleet was the guest speaker at the change of command ceremony.

"You (McHarg) are inheriting the best Air Wing in the entire Navy," Moore said. "You're at the tip of the spear where you can truly make a difference."

McHarg concluded the ceremony by addressing the crew, focusing on the theme of people make it happen.

"I can't tell you what a honor it is today to take the reigns of the only forward deployed Carrier Air Wing at sea in the straits of Malacca aboard the oldest and finest, USS Independence," McHarg said.

McHarg also gave praise to the I-5 team for their quick departure to the Arabian Gulf in January.

"The no notice deployment of the I-5 team was a true show of forward deployed readiness at its best and I intend to encourage the Air Wing to maintain that same standard as we bid farewell to Indy in the future and move to the Kitty Hawk," McHarg said.

McHarg is married to the former Kristin Ann Swanson, Commander, Nurse Corps (retired) of Ellsworth, Wis. They have two children, Molly and Matthew.

Carrier Air Wing FIVE is currently composed of eight squadrons: VF-154, VFA-27, VFA-192, VFA-195, VAW-115, VS-21, VAQ-136, and HS-14. Additionally, VQ-5 Detachment 5 and VRC-30 Detachment 5 complete the CVW 5 team.

PHOTO1: Capt. Richard J. Mauldin (left) is relieved by Capt. Richard O. McHarg as Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE. Photo by: PHAN John Sullivan

PHOTO2: Capt. Richard J. Mauldin waves goodbye to the Sailors of Carrier Air Wing FIVE and the Independence crew. Photo by: JO3 Joseph Rehana