VT-7 fly-by change of command

Navy Cmdr. William Thames became the new commanding officer at Meridian Naval Air Station’s Training Squadron Seven (VT-7) on June 21 during a ceremony that included the base's first fly-by change of command. Cmdr. Michael G. Hritz relinquished command of VT-7 in the ceremonial fly-by in which he led Thames, who then in turn took the lead flight position and that of the squadron. "There was a lot of planning that went into preparing the fly-by ceremony," Thames said. "For us it was probably a lot more fun than for the observers." Thames had been executive officer of VT-7. He grew up in Wesson, Miss., and graduated from nearby Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. He was also a flight-student at VT-7. (Source: Meridian Star 06/22/14) CDR Pavao “Ponch” Huldisch is VT-7's new XO.