On Thursday, February 9th, Commander Robert Geis, USN, took command of Strike Fighter Squadron 211, the first Atlantic Fleet squadron to fly the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. As if my grey receding hair is not reminder enough that I’m getting old, now my good friend Bob has graduated to the milestone that all career aviators strive for. He has become “the old man”. The persona that we, as JO’s, loved and hated depending on the day, the mission, and the mood. It should come as no surprise to those that know him that he has succeeded in achieving this goal even though the jet that we trained to fight in is being retired from the fleet. I can’t think of anyone more appropriate or deserving to lead the way with the Navy’s newest tactical jet. Being selected to command a squadron is truly an honor but being selected to cross-train from the S-3 into the F-18E/F for a command tour illustrates the outstanding character possessed by a man that I’m proud to know as a true friend.
Bob, I wish I could have been there for the ceremony and there are days when I wish I was still in the fight with you. The world has changed considerably since we started Pensacola together. The old adversaries are long gone having been replaced by more dangerous and unpredictable enemies but I take heart in the fact that you are still out there at the tip of the spear. May you be successful in all that you do and bring ’em all home when your turn is done.
Good luck and God bless.
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I hope that `Happy Bob` is continuing to lead the good fight. The comments are not an afterthought, but I have only been connected to the web since late February this year. You`ll take to the skies once more, never fear. Eagles can`t be kept out of the sky for long. Moose would make an interesting co-pilot, eh.
Congratulations Bob!!! I was one of your students at Good Shepard CCD in Mira Mesa back in the late 80’s. I remember when you were just embarking on this fantastic career. Great Job!!!!
Marc
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