Capt John “Swede” Anderson, commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic (HSMWL), was relieved by Capt. David “Biz” Bizzarri during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Mayport, Jan. 23.
Current and retired HSMWL Sailors joined family and friends who traveled from around the country to join in the celebration of the end and beginning of Anderson’s and Bizzarri’s respective tours.
Rear Adm. Verissimo, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, spoke as the ceremony’s presiding officer and guest speaker.
“Your work and devotion to the east coast ‘Romeo’ community is a gift to us all. Your passion for your team is ubiquitous,” said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo to Capt. John “Swede” Anderson.
“Helicopter Maritime Strike squadrons deploy with our carrier strike groups and independent deploying ships to provide critical airborne battlespace awareness on, above, and below the world’s oceans. I am honored to be here to recognize and applaud ‘Swede’ for his inspirational leadership of this critical warfighting community.”
Anderson assumed command as the Wing’s 23rd commodore in August 2023. In this role, he led 2,800 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel across eight geographically dispersed Fleet squadrons, a Fleet Replacement Squadron, a HSM Wing Weapons School, an Aviation Support Detachment and a Surface Rescue Swimmer School.
“I could not be more proud of the officers, chiefs, Sailors, and civilian staff in this Wing,” Anderson said. “Not only did they source every tasking order, but they also created an unrivaled hub of rapid innovation and fleet experimentation.”
With a focus on warfighting and readiness his efforts directly contributed to world-wide deployments of 78 aircraft over eight squadrons which includes providing logistics support for sustaining HSM-79 at Naval Station Rota.
Under his command, HSMWL squadrons safely executed 86,000 flight hours and 42,500 shipboard landings, reflecting the operational excellence and readiness of the Wing. His personnel forward deployed in the U.S. 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleet areas of operation.
“Their tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to mission has established HSMWL as the preeminent Type Wing in Naval Aviation,” Anderson added reflecting on the dedication of his staff to advance the readiness of the entire Wing.”
During his command tour, he initiated joint-service efforts to advance real-world synthetic training capabilities resulting in connection testing events between U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force simulator devices, advanced Virtual Integrated Training (VIT) capabilities across the HSM community and Naval Aviation Enterprise enhancing the tactical expertise of Fleet aviators.
Bizzarri, a native of Fairfax, Virginia, previous served as the deputy commander, and as he assumed command of HSMWL he praised the entire team for their support and leadership to accomplish the requirements ahead.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead the men and women of Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic,” Bizzarri said. “Commodore Anderson leaves behind a Type Wing that has not only advanced our community but has also made significant contributions to the entire Naval Aviation Enterprise.”
Bizzarri provided further guidance to the men and women assigned to the Type Wing.
“As we move forward, we will remain aligned with our Navy’s priorities and continue to enhance our warfighting capabilities, develop of our warfighters, and ensure a strong foundation for our Sailors and their families,” Bizzarri said. “Our squadrons will stand ready to protect and defend our Nation and our allies.”
HSMWL is responsible for the material readiness and training of eight MH-60R squadrons and detachments deploying on Atlantic Fleet aircraft carriers and air capable ships.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs.
