Fleet Readiness Center gets new commanding officer

Fleet Readiness Center Northwest has a new commanding officer at the helm.

A change of command ceremony was held June 28 at Naval Station Whidbey Island.

Cmdr. David Vondrak was relieved by Cmdr. Al Palmer.

Vondrak was commanding officer of Fleet Readiness Center from September 2016 to June 2018. As commander, Vondrak led nearly 1,000 sailors, Department of Defense civilians, and contractors in the repair of 765 components for a $9.6 million in flight hour program cost for eight different types of aircraft.

Fleet Readiness Center also provided 417 components under the repair and return program for 73 fleet customers yielding $4.2 million in cost avoidance for 12 aircraft.

Vondrak is transferring to Lemoore, Calif., where he will hold the position of executive officer of Fleet Readiness Center West.

Palmer is transferring from Virginia Beach, Va., where he held the position of maintenance officer, commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, Naval Air Station Oceana.

Commander Palmer (right) relieves Commander Vondrak (left).

Commander Palmer (right) relieves Commander Vondrak (left).