A Mountain Top native took charge of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 during an airborne change of command ceremony Dec. 15.
Aboard one of three MH-60R helicopters flying in formation, Capt. Patrick W. Hourigan relieved Capt. Matthew Barr as the air wing’s next commander. The formation flight and change of command was a tribute to Barr’s 25-year career as a helicopter pilot.
For the incoming commander, a career F-18 pilot, Hourigan said he had a great relationship with Barr and looks forward to the opportunity to serve.
“My job is to make sure the air wing is prepared for combat and to win if called upon to fight,” said Hourigan. “To do that, I need to make sure everyone on the team has what they need to do their job and understands the importance of the role they play. The Navy entrusted me with this responsibility, and I need to do it right.”
Hourigan has been part of the CVW-1 team since 2020 when he reported as the deputy commander. Before that, he was the executive officer of the “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 and served with the “Royal Maces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 and as a “Kestrel” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137.
Since his graduation from Bishop Hoban High School, Hourigan has gone on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in History from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1998, was designated as a Naval Aviator in 2000, and graduated from TOPGUN in 2005.
His career has taken him aboard aircraft carriers USS Constellation (CV 64), USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and now USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). His deployments include serving in support of Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom.
As a pilot, Hourigan says these tours of duty and missions keep him motivated “because it’s fun.”
“I enjoy the challenge, whether it be taking off and landing on a ship, attacking targets or fighting against other aircraft,” Hourigan said. “No two days or missions are ever the same. I am also keenly aware of the privilege of getting to experience something that so few other people get to do.”
Squadrons of CVW 1 include Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 11 “Red Rippers”; VFA-211 “Fighting Checkmates”; VFA-34 “Blue Blasters”; VFA-81 “Sunliners”; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 “Rooks”; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 “Seahawks”; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11 “Dragonslayers”; Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72 “Proud Warriors”; and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 “Rawhides.”
CVW-1 is currently attached to the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security, and defend U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.
