JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Capt. Roy Undersander took command of Naval Air Station at a ceremony on Friday morning.
Undersander relieved Capt. Bob Sanders, who will become chief of staff to the commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific as chief of staff, Carrier Strike Group 1 on board USS Carl Vinson.
Recommended Videos
Undersander had been executive officer at NAS Jacksonville -- the third largest naval base in the United States -- since January. The new NAS Jacksonville executive officer will be Capt. Howard Wanamaker.
NAS Jacksonville employs 22,000 personnel. Air station personnel support 14 home-based squadrons, numerous detachments, joint commands, government agencies and carrier strike group exercises. Air operations handled over 52,600 flight operations and supported 30 detachments consisting of 1,300 personnel and 242 aircraft. Additionally, station personnel supported Pinecastle Training Complex, the only Navy range on the East Coast where the warfighter can deliver live ordnance.
A native of Saint Cloud, Minn., Undersander joined the Navy in June 1987 through the Naval Aviation Cadet program. Upon completion of Aviation Officer Candidate School, he was designated a naval aviation cadet and reported to NAS Whiting Field, Fla. for primary and helicopter flight training. He was designated a naval aviator and commissioned as an ensign on March, 17, 1989. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle University and a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
Undersander's numerous operational assignments include HS-4 "Black Knights" with an embark on board USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63); HS-1 as a fleet readiness squadron instructor; HS-5 "Nightdippers" as quality assurance officer; HS-15 "Red Lions" as a department head, and HS-5 "Nightdippers" as executive officer with a follow on assignment as commanding officer. During his tenure, the Nightdippers were awarded the Isbell Trophy and Thatch Award for anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare excellence and completed successful deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
He has accumulated 4,500 flight hours during his Naval career.
Under Capt. Sanders, NAS Jacksonville was awarded two unprecedented back-to-back excellence awards for best installation in the United States Navy and the Secretary of the Navy Gold Energy Level of Achievement. NAS Jacksonville has installed 1,440 square feet of roof-mounted solar collectors with a first year utility savings of over $30,000.