Tuesday, November 19, 2019

VFA-34 "Blue Blasters" Welcomes Valparaiso Native as Commanding Officer

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sam Jenkins, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Cmdr. William M. Mathis was relieved by Cmdr. Juston R. Kuch, a native of Valparaiso, Indiana, during a Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 “Blue Blasters” change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Nov. 15.

Cmdr. Juston Kuch (left), the new commanding officer of Strike
Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-34), renders a salute to Cmdr. William
Mathis (right), the former commanding officer of VFA-34, during
VFA-34’s change of command ceremony.

With the traditional exchange of salutes, Kuch relieved Mathis and assumed all duties and responsibilities as the commanding officer of VFA-34 in a ceremony attended by distinguished visitors, family, and VFA-34 crew.

Kuch expressed his appreciation for Mathis for guiding the squadron to the highest levels of operational excellence and allowing the Blue Blasters to perform tremendously in every aspect.

“His exceptional dedication and commitment to the mission of Strike Fighter Squadron 34, CVW-2, CVW-8, and the United States Navy
represents the absolute best of the armed services,” said Kuch. “I look forward to carrying on his vision for VFA-34.”

VFA-34 is a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron stationed at NAS Oceana located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 8 and are attached to the aircraft carrier, USS George H. W. Bush.

Super Hornets are an all-weather aircraft used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter. In its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for interdiction and air support.

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