when he was a young boy learning and reading stories about the Big E, and now, fast-forward 50 years and I’m serving on it as a commanding officer of one of the fighter squadrons onboard,” said Sullivan. Like Sullivan, the Red Rippers have early ties to Enterprise as well. The Rippers were the first squadron to trap aircraft on the flight deck of Big E. “It’s special to be back here 51 years after that first trap,” said Sullivan. “Hopefully the Red Rippers will have the last trap on Enterprise.” The Rippers have been hard at work since that first trap, completing many combat operations and deploying with different aircraft carriers, and, even as they prepare to make more history, they remember their forbearers. “The ship and the squadron are kind of paired up in that sense of long lineage and heritage,” said Lopez. “That’s a pretty cool aspect

of this deployment. It’s particularly nice because I worked really hard and I wanted to come to this squadron from the get-go, so it’s very cool to get here and be with what I see as the best squadron out there.” Lopez has a large task at hand, being the final Red Ripper commanding officer to serve aboard Enterprise, but feels he is up to the task, thanks in part to Sullivan. “Cmdr. Sullivan really helped me out along the way and really gave me the opportunity to exercise being the executive officer,” said Lopez. “I think we’ve been able to accomplish a lot together here and I enjoyed working with him.” As for Sullivan, his parting thoughts are simple, yet heartfelt. “The only thing I would leave with the Rippers is to continue to take care of each other and remember and be proud of our heritage and what has made us great, which is the people of this squadron,” said Sullivan. This change of command ceremony comes a day after the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 change of command ceremony held above Enterprise.

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Cmdr. Marcus Lopez relieved Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan as commanding officer of the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 in an aerial change-of-command ceremony held the skies above aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Aug. 15. During the ceremony, Sullivan and Lopez flew F/A-18F Super Hornets. After both aviators read their orders, Sullivan gave the formation lead to Lopez, symbolically turning over the squadron to his relief. “I would say I have not left my mark on the Rippers, the Rippers left their mark on me,” said Sullivan. “I was blessed to be the 76th commanding officer of the Red Rippers (in) 85 years and, I would honestly say, I’ve taken away as much as I’ve given.” Sullivan has taken orders to the Pentagon to work on the Quadrennial Defense Review, a 20-year investigation into future Navy and military program expenditures. His future may lie in Washington D.C., but his past remains with Enterprise. “When I was growing up, my dad told me stories about

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman

Red Rippers Conduct Aerial Change of CommandAugust 17, 2012 Issue“We are Legend”Newsletter Edition

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

The Shuttle

Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan, outgoing commander of the Red RIppers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, performs an aerial manuever in an F/A-18F Super Hornet giving reign to Cmdr. Marcus Lopez, oncoming commander of the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, during an aerial change of command. (Photo by MC3 Jared King)

Friday, August 17, 2012Page 2 The Shuttle

The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and bi-weekly in port by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Media Department, FPO AE 09543-2810. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Please direct all story ideas, questions and comments to MC1 (SW) Steve Smith at smithsw@cvn65.navy.mil.

Public Affairs OfficerLt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler

Executive OfficerCapt. G. C. Huffman

Commanding OfficerCapt. William C. Hamilton, Jr.

EditorMC3 Brian G. Reynolds

The Shuttle

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Command Master Chief CMDCM (AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff

VFA-11 Change of Command

Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan, outgoing commanding officer of the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, performs a visual inspection on an F/A-18F Super Hornet in preparation for an aerial change of command. (Photo by MC3 Jared King)

Capt. Robert Boyer, commander of CVW-1, launches from catapult four in an F/A-18F Super Hornet in preparation for an aerial change of command. (Photo by MC3 Jared King)

Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan, outgoing commanding officer of the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, prepares for flight. (Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler)

Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan, the outgoing commanding officer of the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11,congratulates other Ripper’s on the flight deck to participate in an arial change of command. (Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler)

Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan, outgoing commanding officer of the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, in an 100 series F/A-18F Super Hornet, launches during a change of command ceremony. {Photo by MC3 Britney Epps)

Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan (right), outgoing commanding officer of the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, gives Cmdr. Marcus Lopez (left) a high five during a change of command ceremony. (Photo by MC3 Britney Epps)

Friday, August 17, 2012 Page 3The Shuttle

VFA-11 Change of Command

Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan, outgoing commanding officer of the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, prepares for flight. (Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler)

Sailors assigned to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 prepare aircraft for an aerial change of command. (Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler)

Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan, outgoing commanding officer of the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, in an 100 series F/A-18F Super Hornet, launches during a change of command ceremony. {Photo by MC3 Britney Epps)

Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan, outgoing commanding officer of VFA-11, gets sprayed during a change of command for Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 (Photo by MC3 Britney Epps)

Cmdr. Marcus Lopez (left), incoming commanding officer of the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, cuts a cake during a change of command ceremony. (Photo by MC3 Britney Epps)

Two F/A-18F Super Hornets do an aircraft fly over during an aerial change of command for Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11. (Photo by MC3 Britney Epps)

Friday, August 17, 2012The ShuttlePage 4

AZ3 Brian Englehart, from South Bend, Ind., joined the Navy three years ago as a different career path. In his spare time, he enjoys working out and reading. In the future, Englehart plans to advance in rank and complete an associate’s degree.

Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd ClassBryan Englehart

Sailors of the Day

CS3 Lawrence B. Famighette, from Melville, N.Y., joined the Navy three years and three months ago to make a better life. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, fixing cars and working out. In the future, he plans to advance in rank and become a father.

Culinary Specialist 3rd ClassLawrence B. Famighette

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