The Maritime Patrol Squadron One (VP-1) Screaming Eagles celebrated the steadfast leadership of Cmdr. Paul Peverly as he passed on command May 9 to Cmdr. Brian Rasmussen. In a ceremony filled with stories from both Peverly and Rasmussen’s history in the squadron, guest speaker and Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 Capt. Steve Deal spoke of his pride for VP-1.
“The hallmark of the Screaming Eagles is operational excellence,” said Deal.
When Peverly commissioned in 1994, he never envisioned staying in the Navy past his initial commitment, much less making command. However, his commitment to service and the Navy gave the Screaming Eagles one of their finest commanders.
During his tenure at VP-1, Peverly served as both executive and commanding officer, leading the squadron on a tri-site deployment to El Salvador, Misawa and Kadena, Japan. In addition, he commanded the squadron during a compressed inter-deployment readiness cycle, achieving deployment readiness one month ahead of schedule.
Known for his tactical skills as well as his love of spreadsheets, Peverly always had a plan for success and executed that plan.
“You are still the best officer I have served beside,” Deal said during his remarks. Peverly will report to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii.
Rasmussen knows the Screaming Eagles well. Following commissioning in 1994 and designation as a Naval Aviator in 1997, Rasmussen began his junior officer (JO) tour at VP-1. In addition to his JO tour, Rasmussen returned to VP-1 for his Department Head tour, before returning this latest time.
“After three separate tours in VP-1, I have developed a deep appreciation for our squadron’s heritage, legacy and traditions,” said Rasmussen. “I am proud to say that I have had the distinct pleasure of directly serving under 14 of the last 16 VP-1 Commanders. I am deeply humbled and honored to be entrusted with the helm of one of the Navy’s oldest and most storied squadrons.”
As the squadron prepares to go on deployment, Rasmussen will be assisted by Executive Officer Cmdr. Jonathan Voorheis. He joined the squadron from U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany.
