In recent years, the Navy has called for Navy leadership across the fleet to “Get Real, Get Better” (GRGB). This call to action encourages Navy leaders to improve readiness with a foundation of honest self assessment, embracing problem areas as opportunities and constantly seeking ways to innovate and improve.
Shortly after beginning his tour as Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve (CNAFR) in 2022, Rear Adm. Brad Dunham recognized a gap between the fleet’s needs for Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift (NUFEA) support and what the Navy Reserve’s Fleet Logistics Support Wing (FLSW) was able to provide. He called upon FLSW leadership to evaluate how they could maximize C-130 readiness to close the gap.
In the less than two years since working toward expanding FLSW’s readiness to provide mission-critical logistics support around the globe, FLSW has delivered record C-130T readiness. The wing increased mission capable aircraft from an average of six aircraft in January 2022 to a peak output of 16 aircraft in June 2024, an unmatched Type/Model/Series improvement across the Naval Aviation Enterprise.
“We recognized in January of 2022 that the average of six mission-capable C-130Ts was missing the mark, and our phenomenal team of professionals dug in to make a tangible change,” said FLSW Commodore Capt. J.T. Ward. “We joined the Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Maintenance Operation Center (MOC) to streamline maintenance processes. We adopted best practices from civilian counterparts and the United States Air Force to improve sustainment. We established processes to remove administrative barriers up and down the chain of command. Combined, these changes resulted in the highest performance outcomes in the history of the Navy C-130T legacy program, evidenced by today’s mission capable rates.”
Dunham expressed his pride in FLSW’s hard work that not only resolved the issue but achieved record-breaking success.
"FLSW leadership approached C-130 readiness with a laser focus on performance improvement to bring 'Get Real, Get Better' tenets to the forefront," said Rear Adm. Brad Dunham. "The unprecedented success of these efforts and their impact to the fleet illustrate the Naval Air Force Reserve's commitment to current readiness and developing future warfighting advantages."
The increased availability of mission-capable C-130T aircraft has greatly enabled increased global NUFEA mission execution. Since January 2022, the wing has provided more than 50,000 mishap-free flight hours and delivered more than 200,000 passengers and 40 million pounds of cargo in support of Navy units operating around the globe.
FLSW is a Navy Reserve air wing with 11 squadrons flying the K/C-130T Hercules and C-40A Clipper. FLSW and the Navy Reserve’s Naval Aviation Logistics Office work together as the Navy’s sole organic intra-theater airlift capability operating worldwide.
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.