ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam –
The Guam-based “Island Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 held a Change of Command Ceremony Thursday during which Cmdr. Frank Loforti was relieved by Cmdr. Christopher Carreon.
“This was the best job I will ever have, and I will miss each member of this command,” said Cmdr. Loforti. “The Island Knight family is a group of motivated, hard-working, mission-ready sailors, and they made my job easier because of it. I know HSC-25 is in great hands with Cmdr. Carreon."
During Loforti time, the Island Knights executed over 75 search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuations (MEDEVAC) missions, saving the lives of 82 individuals.
Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 7, presided over the change of command and lauded Loforti and HSC-25 for their accomplishments during Loforti’s tenure.
"Command is quite simply the most profound responsibility we can bestow upon a leader,” said Kacher. “Fittingly, we only pick the best to take the best of all jobs in the Navy.”
Carreon served as executive officer prior to taking command from Loforti. After having spent over a year working together Carreon said he is ready to take the reins.
"I am thrilled to be taking command of such a capable and determined squadron,” said Carreon. “Our Island Knights have shown greatness across the spectrum of our missions and are constantly striving to improve."
HSC-25 provides a multi-mission rotary wing capability for units in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations and maintains a Guam-based 24-hour search-and-rescue and medical evacuation capability, directly supporting U.S. Coast Guard and Joint Region Marianas. HSC-25 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron.