CA - Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25), also known as “The Fist of the Fleet”, will hold a change of command ceremony today, 14 August 2026, where CDR Michael “Stoner” Christoph '07, USN, will relinquish command to CDR Ryan “Domo” Aldrich '09 in Lemoore, CA. Under CDR Christoph's leadership, VFA-25 completed a full deployment work up cycle that encompassed Air-to-Surface and Air-to-Air training at the Squadron, Air Wing, and Carrier Strike Group levels. He led the 200 Sailors of VFA-25 through six detachments, most recently bringing 10 F/A-18 fighter jets to the 30th Bi-annual Rim of the Pacific Exercise, and prepared the “Fists” for an upcoming deployment. CDR Aldrich looks forward to building upon the rock-solid foundation laid by CDR Christoph, embarking in a short time aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt where VFA-25 will continue our mission to “Project Power and Defend Home.”

Cristoph: "USNA provided the foundation to be successful as the VFA-25 Commanding Officer. It was an honor to serve as a squadron CO onboard NAS Lemoore and/or CVW-11 with 7 of my classmates!"

Aldrich: "The Naval Academy was foundational to my development as a Naval Officer and prepared all of us extremely well to face the myriad of challenges intrinsic at all levels of Naval service."

BZ '07 and '09!

Media Links and Videos for Friday

Alums turn over command of VFA 25 (Christoph '07 and Aldrich '09)