VRM-40 Welcomes new Leadership during May Change of Command Ceremony
03 May 2024
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 40 the “Mighty Bison” held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Station Norfolk, May 2. Cmdr. Matthew Boyce, who is from Spokane, Washington was relieved by Cmdr. Mason Fox, who is from Lemoore, California served as the executive officer before assuming the position as commanding officer during the ceremony.
The first East Coast-assigned Navy tiltrotor vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) CMV-22B Osprey aircraft, assigned to VRM-40, arrived in Norfolk on April 5. The remaining VRM-40 aircraft will begin to arrive to Hampton Roads in the weeks to come.
Boyce served as commanding officer from March 2022 to May 2024. His primary responsibility included the establishment of the CMV-22B east coast operational squadron based in Norfolk. Boyce also coordinated the hangar space for squadron operations on both coasts, permanent duty station changes for key personnel, and ensured support activities were ready to support operations upon arrival in Norfolk.
“I cannot express how proud I am of the Mighty Bison, who have faced myriad challenges from establishment onward to include Safe-for-Flight Operations certification, permanent duty station change, and return to flight operations,” Boyce said, who added that his entire command have worked as a team to set a culture of excellence to be envied.
All squadron personnel have been officially stationed in Norfolk since Feb. 1, 2024. The VRM-40 “Mighty Bison” were established aside their existing sister squadron, VRM-30, and the training squadron, VRM-50, aboard NAS North Island in March 2022.
“I am deeply thankful for the honor and privilege of serving as their commanding officer. Moving forward, the Mighty Bison and their mission are in the best possible hands under Skipper Fox’s leadership,” Boyce continued.
The CMV-22B will provide the fleet’s medium-lift and long-range aerial logistics capability, eventually replacing the C-2A Greyhounds of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 over the next several years. The squadron’s relocation to Naval Station Norfolk is part of their permanent duty station change from Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island in preparation to provide fleet logistic aviation assets to the Atlantic Fleet beginning in 2025.
“I am humbled to take command of this fantastic team. Skipper Boyce built the foundation of this squadron the right way and we are set up for success due to his leadership. I look forward to leading the Mighty Bison as we grow and begin meeting fleet tasking,” Fox said.
CVRMW’s mission is to provide Pacific and Atlantic Fleet VRM squadrons the ability to sustain lethality for carrier strike groups of the future through the timely, persistent air logistics missions our nation demands any place in the world. The CMV-22B is the Navy’s long-range/medium-lift element of the intra-theater aerial logistics capability responsible for transporting personnel, mail and priority cargo from shore logistics sites to ships at sea.
Naval Air Force Atlantic is responsible for seven nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 55 aircraft squadrons, 1,200 aircraft and 52,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel with priorities focused on warfighting, people, and readiness by providing combat ready, sustainable naval air forces with the right personnel, properly trained and equipped, with a focus on readiness, operational excellence, interoperability, safety, and efficient resourcing.