Fleet Logistics Squadron (VR) One executes a unique mission as the only squadron in the Navy responsible for executive transport for the Secretary of the Navy, Commandant of the Marine Corps, Chief of Naval Operations as well as other senior military and congressional leadership. Flying a C-37B (Gulfstream G550), the crew consists of two pilots, one flight engineer and at the heart of the mission, one transport safety specialist (TSS).
Known as “Flying CSs,” the transport safety specialist (TSS) is responsible for the safety and well-being of the passengers and aircraft, along with ensuring all passenger needs and desires are met.
Earning the designation of TSS is extremely competitive and demands the utmost skill, professionalism and dedication to the craft, both in the air and on the ground. Leading the charge at VR-1 is Culinary Specialist First Class Zachary Bishop. CS1 Bishop has served in the Navy for ten years. Upon arrival to VR-1, he qualified as TSS well ahead of squadron timelines. His dedication to the mission and excellence in the culinary arts were exemplified in his selection for the 2024 Navy Culinary Arts Team (NCAT).
“Making the team was a challenge. I was one out of the ten highly competitive firsts (classes) to actually make the team that tried out,” said Bishop.” Going into the tryout, you really have to focus on what you know and just maintain a positive attitude in the kitchen.”
NCAT is a team of competitive and talented culinary specialists selected on an annual basis. Selection for the team begins with Sailors preparing a three course meal using only items provided in a mystery basket. That meal is then critiqued by a panel of judges.
Not only was CS1 Bishop selected for NCAT, he was the only first class to make it out of ten applicants who applied and was selected as team captain. The final NCAT for this year consists of just 11 Sailors from duty stations throughout the Navy. After selection, the team traveled to Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., for a rigorous training. Over a 62-day course consisting of 14-hour work days.
The hard work and dedication of NCAT culminated March 2024 with the team winning one gold and one silver medal for best in show, four silver medals and five bronze medals.
“(This experience) gave me a chance to network and get my name out there to let people know who I am and what I am about,” exclaimed Bishop. “The opportunity also gave me more knowledge and experience with different cooking techniques and working with highly experienced Chefs that have been in the Navy more than 20 years.
Following the NCAT season, CS1 Bishop returned to VR-1. He is back on the flight schedule, continues to provide incredible service to our senior leaders in the Department of the Navy, and is busy training our next generation of VR-1 “Flying CSs”.
Rear Adm. Richard S. Lofgren serves as the Acting Chief of Navy Reserve and Acting Commander, Navy Reserve Force. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and oversight for Navy Reserve personnel and operations worldwide, supporting the readiness and integration of Reserve forces across the fleet. A Surface Warfare Officer, Rear Adm. Lofgren brings extensive operational and command experience across maritime expeditionary, coastal riverine, and surface warfare missions, including service in senior leadership roles supporting U.S. naval operations in multiple geographic combatant commands. His career reflects a sustained commitment to operational excellence, leadership development, and the effective employment of Navy Reserve forces in support of national security objectives.
Rear Adm. Luke Frost is a Surface Warfare Officer with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across the fleet. He has served in senior command roles at sea and ashore, including command of major surface combatants and amphibious forces operating throughout the Central Command and Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility. As a Flag Officer, Rear Adm. Frost served as Director, Reserve Warfare (OPNAV N0959) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he provided oversight and strategic guidance for Reserve force integration and readiness. His career reflects a deep commitment to warfighting excellence, joint operations, and the effective employment of naval forces in support of U.S. national security objectives.
Rear Admiral John Saccomando is a Naval Aviator with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across both active and reserve components. He has served in multiple senior command and flag assignments supporting naval aviation, expeditionary operations, and installation readiness, including leadership roles within U.S. Fleet Forces and Naval Air Forces Atlantic. A combat-experienced aviator, Rear Adm. Saccomando brings deep expertise in joint operations, force integration, and operational readiness, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing naval capabilities and supporting U.S. national security objectives worldwide.
Rear Adm. Greg Emery is a Navy Reserve flag officer with extensive leadership experience across naval oceanography, intelligence, and information warfare. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has served in a wide range of operational, command, and staff assignments supporting global naval and joint operations, including senior leadership roles within Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Adm. Emery brings deep expertise in intelligence integration, operational support, and information warfare, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing decision advantage and mission readiness across the fleet.
Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve, advising on the readiness, welfare, and professional development of approximately 59,000 Reserve Component Sailors supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and joint operations worldwide. A seasoned Command Master Chief, she brings extensive experience across aviation, expeditionary, and information warfare communities, with senior enlisted leadership assignments at the unit, regional, and force levels. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to Sailor advocacy, operational readiness, and the effective integration of Navy Reserve forces in support of national defense objectives.
Command Master Chief Lyons brings extensive operational and shore-based leadership experience across aviation, logistics, manpower, and readiness organizations within the Navy Reserve enterprise. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2016, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at Navy Operational Support Center Pearl Harbor, Navy Personnel Command, Maritime Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. An Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is recognized for sustained excellence in leadership and readiness, earning multiple personal, joint, and unit awards throughout his career.
Command Master Chief Louvier enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1997 and brings extensive aviation maintenance and readiness leadership experience across multiple Fleet Logistics, Strike Fighter, Helicopter, and Reserve aviation commands. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2015, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at VR-56, Commander, Tactical Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Reserve Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve. An Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and multiple executive leadership programs and has earned numerous personal and unit awards for sustained excellence in leadership and mission readiness.
Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson was born in Garden Grove, California, and raised in Sacramento. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 29, 2002, and completed recruit training and Electrician’s Mate “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. His career spans operational, reserve, aviation, and senior enlisted leadership assignments, and he currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve.