‘Wildcats’ change of command

The “Wildcats” of Training Squadron (VT) 10 held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola last week.

Cmdr. John Gleason relieved Cmdr. Jason Agostinelli as commanding officer during a ceremony held at the National Naval Aviation Museum on base.

Agostinelli, a native of Rochester, New York, assumed command of VT-10 in February 2021 after serving as executive officer since June 2019. During his tenure, Agostinelli oversaw a cadre of 55 instructors dedicated to training Navy and international military naval flight officers (NFO), Navy flight surgeons, and NASA astronaut candidates. More than 376 NFOs have graduated under his leadership, together accumulating more than 33,000 hours in T-6A Texan II trainer aircraft.

“Having the opportunity to lead the Wildcats has been the most fulfilling tour of my career,” Agostinelli said. “What an amazing feeling to watch our hardworking and dedicated instructors mold these young student Naval Flight Officers into our nation’s future warfighters. I know Cmdr. Gleason is ready to take charge and lead this fine squadron on to the next level of excellence. Welcome, XO Baldwin to the Wildcat family!”

Commodore, Training Air Wing Six, Capt. Ken Russell presided over the ceremony, attended by squadron instructor pilots, staff, students, family members, and guests.

“I am proud to be here today to share in this time-honored tradition, where we pass the banner of command from one officer to another,” Russell said. “Jay, while many sat up in their box seats and commented and critiqued, you were down on the flight line, in the arena, sweating it out and leading your team to victory. Ladies and gentleman, this is what winning looks like. To the Agostinelli family: after 20 years in the arena, we send him home to you. To the Gleason family: soak up the moment, because it goes fast! God bless team Wildcat, the Navy, and the United States of America.”