Naval Air Force Atlantic will have a new commander on Thursday, as Rear Adm. John Meier is relieved by Rear Adm. Douglas Verissimo.
The change of command ceremony will be held aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower at Naval Station Norfolk.
Verissimo, who currently serves as the director of maritime operations at U.S. Fleet Forces Command, will take the helm of Naval Air Force Atlantic. The command is responsible for seven nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 54 aircraft squadrons, 1,200 aircraft and 52,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel.
U.S. Navy
Rear Adm. Douglas Verissimo will take the helm of Naval Air Force Atlantic on Aug. 17, 2023, relieving Rear Adm. John Meier.
Verissimo is a native of Falmouth, Massachusetts. He earned his commission and designation as a naval aviator in July 1989. He holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from California State University, and
a master’s degree in campaign planning and strategy from the Joint Forces Staff College. Verissimo is also a graduate of the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program.
His operational assignments include Fist of the Fleet, Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA-25), catapult and arresting gear officer aboard USS John C. Stennis; executive officer aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, and command of the USS Carl Vinson amphibious transport dock ship, USS New Orleans.
On shore duty, Verissimo served as an instructor at Fist of the Fleet, Fighter Attack Squadron; a demonstration pilot for U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels; and executive assistant to Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic and Joint Staff J3.
Verissimo’s flag tours include deputy director for operations, Operations Team TWO (J3), Commander Carrier Strike Group NINE, and Director Assessment Division. He assumed his duties as director of maritime operations at U.S. Fleet Forces Command in May 2022. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and various other personal, unit and service awards.
U.S. Navy
Rear Adm. John Meier will be relieved by Rear Adm. Douglas Verissimo as commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic at Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 17, 2023.
The change of command will culminate Meier’s 37-year career with the U.S. Navy and three years of leading the Norfolk-based command.
He assumed command of Naval Air Force Atlantic on May 1, 2020.
Meier has participated in operations around the world since Desert Storm, lead Southern Partnership Station and built the crew and culture of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) as her first commanding officer. He has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours and 675 carrier landings.
His decorations include the Legion of Merit and various other personal and unit level awards.
Caitlyn Burchett, [email protected]
