MC2 Jason T. Poplin A ground crewman communicates with the cockpit of a C-130T Hercules assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 53 during maintenance turns. Cmdr. Karin Kulinski relieved Cmdr. Michael Clark as VR-53 commanding officer during a change of command March 1.

VR-53 flies the C-130 ‘‘Hercules” transport aircraft and is based at Naval Air Facility Washington, D.C.

Clark, who assumed command in December 2006, led the squadron through one of its most successful periods on record. During his tenure as executive and commanding officer, the squadron flew more than 7,200 mishap-free hours, transported more than 7,518 passengers and moved more than 9.2 million pounds of cargo.

Additionally, the squadron operated in every major theater while flying missions that provided relief to Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims. The squadron also flew in direct support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terror. This included spearheading the joint airlift support to the Air Mobility Command’s Aeromedical Evacuation mission, where VR-53 transported 684 sick and wounded Marines, soldiers, Sailors and airmen from Washington, D.C. medical facilities to their home bases and families.

In recognition of its outstanding accomplishments, VR-53 was awarded the 2006 Department of the Navy Safety Excellence Award as the Navy unit with the best risk management program and overall safety record. Additionally, the squadron was awarded the Admiral Phil Smith Operational Excellence Award for outstanding resource management, deployed operational effectiveness, fiscal efficiency and overall operational excellence.

In his departure speech to the squadron, Clark said, ‘‘I trust this squadron to continue its tradition of excellence in future challenging missions.” In the coming year VR-53 will deploy to: Bahrain; Sigonella, Sicily; and Japan.