Rachel Dahl
Naval Air Station Fallon welcomed new leadership last Friday as Capt. Michael Haymon officially assumed command, taking over from Capt. Shane Tanner during a formal Change of Command ceremony on base.
The event, steeped in Navy tradition, marks the official transfer of responsibility from one commanding officer to the next. After the reading of orders, Haymon looked Tanner in the eye and said, “I relieve you, sir.” Tanner responded with the customary reply: “I stand relieved.”
The ceremony brought together military leaders, local officials, and community members, all gathered under clear skies to honor the occasion and reflect on the mission of the base.
Vice Adm. Scott Gray, Commander of Navy Installations Command, delivered the keynote address. He praised NAS Fallon as a critical national defense and combat readiness site.
“This is where our nation’s warfighters are forged,” Gray said. “The work being done here at Fallon is not just about training; it’s about making sure every sailor and aviator is ready to defend our nation with strength, precision, and unwavering resolve.”
Capt. Major projects and partnerships marked Tanner’s three-year tour. He oversaw the expansion of the Fallon Range Training Complex, which added more than 523,000 acres of public land and 66,000 acres of non-federal land to support evolving training needs. These changes help the Navy simulate more realistic combat environments and prepare pilots and crews for increasingly complex missions.
Under Tanner’s leadership, the base also expanded airspace and enhanced key training infrastructure. He worked closely with tribal leaders, the Bureau of Land Management, the Federal Aviation Administration, and state and local agencies—bringing together groups that don’t always have easy conversations.
Rear Adm. Brad Rosen, Commander of Navy Region Southwest, commended Tanner for his ability to build those partnerships and push big ideas forward.
“Captain Tanner’s impact will be felt for decades to come,” Rosen said.
But the ceremony wasn’t just about operations and strategy—it also took time to recognize the people behind the rank. Tanner’s wife, Carly, and their daughters, Chloe, Sasha, and Layla, were thanked for the sacrifices that come with Navy life. The Fallon community also warmly welcomed Haymon’s family—his wife, Joan, and their daughter, Alexis.
The sense of shared service extended to local government and tribal leaders who have long worked alongside the Navy. Among those in attendance were Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford and the Churchill County Commission members, along with representatives from nearby tribes.
“These partnerships are what allow NAS Fallon to remain the crown jewel of naval aviation training,” Rosen said.
Haymon addressed the crowd after taking command, expressing his appreciation and sense of responsibility.
“NAS Fallon is more than just a training ground—it’s where our nation’s warfighters sharpen their skills and prepare for the challenges ahead,” he said. “I am deeply honored to take the helm and continue building on the incredible legacy that Captain Tanner leaves behind.”
A career naval aviator, Haymon brings with him a reputation for hands-on leadership and a focus on readiness. He’s expected to continue the base’s modernization work while emphasizing quality of life for sailors and their families.
Tanner will head next to Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, leaving behind a base that has grown in size, reach, and capability during his command.
As the ceremony came to a close, Adm. Rosen summed up the day’s significance with a message about the base’s future.
“The work we do here in Fallon has life-and-death implications for those who serve,” he said. “Our mission is critical, and I have full confidence that Captain Haymon will continue to lead with the same passion, vision, and dedication that this base has come to expect.”
Comment
Comments