https://www.wtok.com/2025/01/31/change-command-ceremony-nas-meridian/
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) – It was a big day for Training Squadron Nine out at NAS Meridian.
The Tigers now have a new commander after Commander Justin Estrada completed his 15-month tour. Today, the base welcomed Commander Evan Scott, the new Commander for Training Squadron Nine. Both men stood and shared their thanks to everyone involved in their lives, and their excitement for the next steps in their careers.
“So what I expect to show them is, honestly, that determination to be that patriot for our country as they continue on in their career and that that’s something that we talk in big words in terms of the Navy or the Department of Defense or the United States of America. But it comes to us being the face of that. And so for them to see that on a daily basis for them to say, OK, the Navy means my instructor, the Navy means my Skipper, the Navy means my Commodore,” said Commander Evan Scott.
“I think the First things first is just patience right at and I think. Specifically being here, Meridian is that it’s a great place. I’ve just finished my 3rd tour here now, and truly, it’s been a remarkable location to serve,” said Commander Justin Estrada.
“I mean, truly the first thing is just a tremendous amount of relief because a command tour is one that is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with a great deal of stress. And so now, having successfully completed it. That next chapter, because it’s been hard. It’s been great though at the same time, but I’m just looking forward to the next chapter,” said Estrada.
“All I wanted to do was fly and be a pilot for the United States Navy, and so I never had the aspirations necessarily being a commanding officer. But as I grew through my career, I was given opportunities that are just simply outstanding. And so I’m very, very blessed and very humble and thankful. To be standing in this position and definitely excited and energized to lead this great team of Patriots through the next steps for their own career,” said Scott.
This is not the first time Commander Scott has been a part of NAS Meridian; he toured with the squadron he is now the Commanding Officer of, and during that time, he was the Operations Officer, Administrative Officer, and T-45C Instructor Pilot.
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