Amidst the pomp and circumstance of military ceremony, Cmdr. Jeffrey Ketcham accepted the reins of command for Helicopter Training Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT from Lt. Col. Jeff Pavelko, Friday, Dec. 5. Highlighted by patriotic music performed by the Navy Band, the parading of the national colors, and inspirational speeches, the change of command ceremony is a long-standing Navy tradition ensuring the smooth transfer of command from one officer to another in front of the assembled squadron, family and friends.
After serving as the executive officer for the “Hellions,” Ketcham now ascends to the big chair Pavelko held for 15 months. He will be only the seventh commanding officer for the youngest squadron at NAS Whiting Field. Ketcham will have some impressive shoes to fill.
Under Pavelko, the “Hellions” flew more than 62,000 mishap free flight hours and completed in excess of 32,000 sorties culminating in the completion of helicopter flight training by 350 Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Allied pilots. An enthusiastic supporter of the community, Pavelko and the “Hellions” volunteered more than 900 hours to local programs. The squadron’s training effectiveness and efficiency earned it the Cmdr. Theodore G. Ellyson Aviator Production Excellence Award as a premiere squadron advanced aviation training efficiency. Furthermore, for his leadership and superb capabilities, Pavelko was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
Training Air Wing FIVE Commodore Col. Gary Kling served as the guest speaker for the occasion and praised the two officers who formed the central leadership team for a squadron recognized as one of the best aviation training squadrons in the Navy.
“They formed an incredible team together and it has been great to see,” Kling stated in his remarks. “I am excited to see [Ketcham] take the Hellions to the next level. They are incredibly loyal and professional officers who are setting trends for the future of Naval aviation.”
Ketcham enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1990 and served as a medical specialist with the 148th Evacuation Hospital and flight medic with the 172nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance) until entering the Navy in November 1996. After earning his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, he was commissioned through the Navy’s Officer Candidate School program and received his Wings of Gold in November of 1998. In Aug. 1999 Ketcham reported to the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR SIX (HSL-46). Follow-on operational tours included: Assistant Air Officer for USS BATAAN (LHD 5), Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR ZERO (HSL-40), HSL-42, and Strategic Command in Omaha, Neb. Ketcham also earned his Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies while attending the United States Naval War College.
Ketcham now takes the next step in his distinguished career. He called assuming command of the Hellions a “blessing,” and charged the squadron to maintain the high levels of accomplishment achieved under Pavelko.
“Our mission continues to be molding leaders and the training of the world’s best rotary winged aviators,” he stated. “As your commanding officer, I promise to continue to give you the tools you need to meet that success. In return I challenge each of you to continue to produce the quality aviators our nation needs.”
Prior to trading the command pennant with Ketcham, which signifies the exchange of the duties of command, Pavelko expressed his gratitude to the HT-28 team.
“It’s been tremendously humbling over the past 15 months to take this journey with you as your commanding officer. We have learned from each other along the way. We have experienced highs and lows, but through it all, we persevered and came out a better squadron. Thank your for your hard work, dedication, and professionalism,” Pavelko said.
The incoming executive officer will be LtCol. Cory DeKraai.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Ketcham assumes command of HT-28