Source: United States Navy
Current and former CNAFR Sailors, more than a dozen current and former flag officers, and friends and family of Jones and Dunham traveled from around the country to join CNAFR in celebrating the end of Jones’s 40-year Navy career and the beginning of Dunham’s tour as CNAFR.
Chief of Navy Reserve (CNR) Vice Adm. John Mustin spoke as the ceremony’s guest speaker.
“Jonser, you guided CNAFR masterfully,” said Mustin. “Ashore and afloat you’ve earned a reputation of leading from the front. Your fingerprints are all over this awesome command, which now reflects the very best of vitamin Jonser. You have much to be proud of.”
Mustin went on to address Dunham, who recently completed his tour as Deputy, Naval Air Force Atlantic.
“Brad, you’ve heard me say before that we have much to be proud of in the Navy Reserve, and yet, we still have much to do,” said Mustin. “I know that you are the right person at the right time in the right place for this important, critical job.”
Presiding officer, Commander, Naval Air Forces Kenneth Whitesell, echoed Mustin’s remarks on Jones’s leadership.
“Jonser, you and I got to meet in Hawaii, as you were the lead investigator for the Pearl Harbor shipyard shooting,” said Whitesell. “I realized as I watched how you guided that investigation team there that there was nothing you couldn’t do, and I was going to be in good hands with your worldwide CNAFR leadership to be my partner here in San Diego, and you demonstrated just that.”
Whitesell then turned to Dunham and continued.
“Just like the trial by fire with Jonser coming in during the Pearl Harbor shooting and investigation, Gunny’s doing the same thing with [Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73)] right now with the investigation he’s at,” said Whitesell. “If the similar start means we’re going to have a similar great performance and similar outcome at Naval Air Forces that we had with Jonser, then I know that we’re off to a great start. I’m looking forward to working with you.”
Jones took the stage to address the CNAFR staff as well as his relief.
“Brad, you are the perfect leader to take CNAFR forward,” said Jones. “Thank you for your commitment, your team play, and your being ready to assume command once again in just a few minutes. I’m so excited to see what the future of this organization holds.”
Once Jones finished his remarks reflecting on his time as CNAFR, the ceremony proceeded, and he was officially relieved by Dunham.
“Jonser, congratulations on another amazing command tour,” said Dunham. “Your personal sacrifice and dedication to this organization has not gone unnoticed.”
Dunham then addressed the CNAFR staff.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to have an opportunity to serve alongside some of the very best leaders, officer and enlisted, that this nation has ever produced,” said Dunham. “As we speak, sovereign bodies are being challenged with force, increasing global tensions and the competition of great powers demands that each of us be prepared to fight. While we continue to pursue advances in technology and tactics, the competitive advantage to win in combat resides in each of you. I am confident that this team is up to the task.”
The ceremony then transitioned from the change of command to Jones’s retirement, beginning with a flag detail representing every rank held by Jones, from seaman recruit to petty officer 2nd class and ensign to rear admiral upper half.
After receiving the flag and presenting it to his wife, Teresa, Jones gave his final remarks.
“This week someone asked me if this career was worth it,” said Jones. “The best answer I can come up with is this: Naval aviation is a profession, a calling if you will, that demands the very best of us in every single way, so that is how my life has been. I am an ordinary man, who has had the blessing and good fortune to live an extraordinary life through my gold wings, which to this day remain the professional accomplishment for which I am the most proud.”
Military guests lined up alongside the ceremonial side boys as Jones was piped ashore for the final time.
CNAFR mans, trains and equips the Naval Air Force Reserve in order to provide enduring operational support and strategic depth to Navy forces that win in combat.