Training Air Wing Four welcomes new commander
Training Wing Four, located on board Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, held a change of command ceremony July 13 at USS Lexington Museum on the Bay.
Capt. Trey Hayden was relieved by Capt. Kevin Delano as commodore of the Training Wing.
During the ceremony, Hayden reflected on his two-year tour at the Training Air Wing and had a message for the young student naval aviators in attendance.
“To the men and women of Training Wing Four, I am honored to have had the opportunity to be your commodore,” said Hayden. “You’ve made this tour the most rewarding and enjoyable over my 28 years in service. Some advice for those beginning their journey: remember, everybody has a story. Show people that you care. Leave each place you go a little bit better and never let a setback stop you from pursuing your dream.”
Delano took to the stage after the traditional reading of orders by both the incoming and outgoing leadership. He mentioned his excitement at having the opportunity to lead the command and that its mission will continue to be an important one.
“I’m having a really hard time not smiling everyday about being selected for this job,” said Delano. “I’m getting ready to do something that I’ve dreamed of doing. I am both excited and humbled to be part of something so unique, something that is both vital to our Navy and to our country: building the future of naval aviation. Our aviation legacy is extensive and I count myself lucky to be a small sliver of that legacy.”
Delano joins Training Air Wing Four after a tour with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C. He served on the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center floor as the Chief of Operations and the Division Chief for the National Military Command System Operations Division.
Following the change of command, Training Air Wing Four held a retirement ceremony for Hayden who retired from Naval service after 28 years.
“This chapter of my life is coming to a close,” said Hayden. “I am proud to have served for 28 years. To those of you who continue to serve, thank you for continuing to carry out the nation’s bidding.”