Whitney Downard / The Meridian StarIncoming Commanding Officer of Training Squadron NINE John Eveges III gets ceremonially pinned to represent his promotion from executive officer by his wife, Jennifer.

Training Squadron NINE at the Naval Air Station in Meridian will have a familiar face as its new commanding officer in the upcoming weeks.

On Friday, John Eveges III, the former executive officer, read his orders and will follow the service of former commanding officer Todd D’Antonio, who held the position for the previous 15 months.

D’Antonio and Eveges worked closely together in the last 15 months, weathering the challenges of two airplane crashes and in-flight physiological episodes such as shortness of breath.

“There were challenges that we had to navigate and, fortunately, we had the right people on board,” D’Antonio said. “I’m proud of what I leave behind.”

In April, flights had to be temporarily grounded at the station because of contaminants in the airplane’s oxygen system. Engineers and naval leaders implemented improved monitoring and sensors in late June and students returned to training. 

D’Antonio leaves behind 97 students, 40 instructor pilots and eight civilian staff members to serve as an Air Boss with the carrier USS George Washington in Norfolk, Virginia. 

D’Antonio said he felt proud of the lessons he had the chance to impart. 

“The mindset I had was to do things right the first time,” D’Antonio said. “It might take longer, but then you don’t have to do it again.” 

Eveges and guest speaker Capt. Paul A. Carelli, a commander with Training Air Wing One, both praised D’Antonio’s ability to stay calm in serious situations. 

“I’m blessed to have “Ross” (D’Antonio) as one of my commanding officers,” Carelli said. “Usually I would give statistics to prove that… but the number I care about is zero. We have lost zero people under his command.

“Because every command officer’s goal should be that everybody comes back alive under their command.”

“Ross was cool and collected,” Eveges said. “That’s the lesson to take away from Ross.”

In turn, D’Antonio thanked Eveges, who trained at NAS previously, for his experience, expertise and uncensored opinions. 

“Trust in yourself,” D’Antonio instructed Eveges. “And you will do great.”

“I will work every day to improve how we work as an operation,” Eveges said to the assembled squadron. “You were the right man to lead this squadron through all of the problems we’ve had in the last 15 months.”

While both D’Antonio and Eveges had heartfelt thank yous for their wives and children, Eveges had an extra special message for his father, who served as a radioman just like his father.

“Dad, for some kids athletes and movie stars are their idols but you’ve always been my idol,” Eveges said. 

To the assembled squadron of roughly 150, Eveges said they would continue their mission to train the next generation of aviators who would accept the baton of defense from the sea from the previous one. 

“Tigers, I’m humbled and honored to stand before you. We know what lies ahead,” Eveges said. “Treat everyone with respect and be ready to pass the baton. And students, be ready to accept it.”