VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Commander George “Stroker” Wikoff relinquished command of the checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron 211 recently to Commander Matthew “Yodel” Leahey during a formal change of command ceremony on board NAS Oceana.

Leahey is a 1991 graduate of the Naval Academy. He was
designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1992 and his previous squadrons
include VF-21, VF-154, VF-143 and VF-211 where he amassed more than 2,700
hours and 500 arrested landings aboard multiple aircraft carriers. He
is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School with combat
experience flying missions in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

During his first remarks as commanding officer, Leahey thanked Wikoff for his outstanding leadership, mentorship and dedication
to both the command’s mission and checkmate personnel. He noted the
many squadron successes of the past and called for the squadron to look
to always focus on the fact that the country is at war and the checkmates must be constantly training to deploy and support sustained
combat operations in the defense of the nation.

Leahey is a 1987 graduate of Lewiston High School.  He is the son of William “Chick” and Ruth Leahey of Lewiston.

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