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thedrifter
06-07-04, 07:33 AM
Vikings get new skipper onboard
Submitted by: MCAS Iwakuni
Story Identification #: 20046713747
Story by Cpl. Dave Boni



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan(May 27, 2004) -- Lieutenant Col. William T. "Billyboy" Van Atten took the reigns of Marine (All-Weather) Fighter Attack Squadron 225 from Lt. Col. John "Pappy" Rupp in a change of command ceremony May 27.

Van Atten, born Oct. 6, 1965, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Course. Van Atten was designated a Naval Flight Officer in Feb. 1989.

After reporting to his second duty Station at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Van Atten deployed to Sheik Isa Airfield, Bahrain in support of Operation Desert Storm. There he flew 16 combat missions.

Van Atten also volunteered to serve as the air officer for the Joint Task Force in Mogadishu, Somalia from Oct. 1993 to April 1994.

Van Atten has also served with VMFA-101, VT-86 and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 5 before returning back to the Vikings for the second time.

His personal decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with numeral one, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V and three Navy Achievement Medals.

Van Atten is married to Jarilyn Van Atten and they are the proud parents of one son, William. They reside in Rancho Bernardo, Calif.

Rupp, who has served as VMFA(AW)-225's commanding officer since June 27, 2003, will now be reporting to United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., for duty.

During Rupp's command, the Vikings enjoyed 2,800 mishap-free flight hours, while establishing themselves as one of the premier fighter attack squadrons in the wing.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20046725552/$file/commandl.jpg

Lt. Col. William T. Van Atten, VMFA(AW)-225 commanding officer, returns the organizational colors to Sgt. Maj. Curtis Anderson, squadron sergeant major, during the squadron's change of command ceremony on the flight line, May 27. Photo by: Cpl. Robert W. Wynkoop

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/4F6B6744798939A985256EAC001EECF9?opendocument


Ellie