Change in Command at Meridian's Naval Air Station

Meridian, MS - The “Tigers” of Training Squadron 9, at the Naval Air Station in Meridian, showed up to support their next Commanding Officer.

The hangar was filled with family friends and loved ones as Commander Justin Estrada assumed his newly appointed position as the leader of Squadron 9.

Commander Estrada tells Twin States News how ready he is to get started.

“Words can hardly express, I am really happy to be here. I’ve got friends, family, and colleagues from all over the country, and the opportunity to sit here and serve with the folks here at Training Squadron 9 is the lifetime opportunity I've been dreaming of.”

Estrada was born and raised in Anaheim California, but mentions how much he enjoys his time living here in Meridian.

“I love it here. This is my third time here in Meridian Mississippi. I came through as a student, I came back as an instructor back in 2012.”

Twin States also asked Commander Estrada if the Tigers Squadron is ready for him to be their leader.

“I don’t know if they are ready for me. What I can say though is that they are already doing a great job. I am here to just make sure they get the time, the resources, the dedication, and direction that they need.”

The former man in charge, James Anderson, expresses what he is ready to do now that he has some extra free time.

“It’s been a great tour, but it was time to pass along the reigns there, and now I get to stop blowing off my kid and my wife. Really looking forward to that.”