NORFOLK, Va. – Naval Air Force Atlantic’s (AIRLANT) Maintenance Operations Center (MOC) held a renaming ceremony in honor of the current commander, Rear Adm. John F. Meier, on Naval Station (NS) Norfolk, July 28.

The MOC, now named RADM John “Oscar” Meier Maintenance Operations Center, unveiled the updated logo on a repurposed F/A-18 aircraft’s vertical stabilizer.

“This is high praise from this team,” Meier said. “I am deeply humbled and appreciative.”

The MOC concept was first introduced to Naval Aviation in late 2018 as part of the Naval Sustainment System-Aviation (NSS-A) initiative and is one of NSS-A’s seven pillars in order to reach across siloed activities to create a holistic approach to maintaining naval aircraft readiness goals.

“The MOC started in 2018 and only existed because of you, [Rear Adm. Meier], now five years later, your energy, visionary leadership and empowerment to do the job and trust us to get it done,” Capt. Ronnie Harper, MOC military director said during the ceremony.

The MOC relocated from AIRLANT headquarters to a newly renovated, state-of-the-art facility at NS Norfolk’s V-88 building in June 2022. The layout of the new location fosters a data driven environment to drive down maintenance cost and further increase mission capable rates across naval aviation.

Meier reflected on the accomplishments of the MOC over the past five years and revolutionary steps taken to launch this facility that changed how the Navy maintains a lethal and ready force for the future.

“What we have been able to do here serves as the best example of Naval Aviation leading the way. We have created a world class place with innovation and forward thinking,” Meier said.

The facility construct allows for a central collaboration point between the various cells to make necessary decisions that prioritize expedited delivery of necessary parts or technical assistance, while providing valuable insight to the end user for efficient handling of aircraft.

Meier added that he knew he needed the personnel in the MOC to have both time and space to allow for “ideation to turn into execution.”

“Ideas are easy, but execution is hard. You all brought the MOC to life and I appreciate all of your hard work and the kind words,” Meier said.

On Aug. 17, Meier will be relieved by Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo during a change of command ceremony aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Meier will retire after 37 years of service in the Navy.

AIRLANT is responsible for seven nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 54 aircraft squadrons, 1,200 aircraft and 52,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel with priorities focused on warfighting, people, and readiness by providing combat ready, sustainable naval air forces with the right personnel, properly trained and equipped, with a focus on readiness, operational excellence, interoperability, safety, and efficient resourcing.