NAS Lemoore's VFA-192 Golden Dragons get a new skipper

Bean led the Dragons through an arduous deployment onboard the USS Carl Vinson as the commanding officer.  Additionally, while in the maintenance phase, he led the Dragons in a successful Dissimilar Air Combat Training detachment with the Oregon Air National Guard in Portland, Oregon. 

During his tenure, the Golden Dragons completed multiple maintenance inspections with above-average scores, receiving consecutive Commander Strike Fighter Wing and US Pacific Fleet Bruce Carrier Awards for maintenance program excellence. 

Commander Bean’s next assignment is in Washington, DC, where he will serve as the Naval Aviation Portfolio Manager at the Office of Legislative Affairs.  

Commander Bean stressed tactical and maintenance excellence during his 15-month tour as commanding officer. 

During his time, four Dragons successfully completed their mission commander qualifications, and five Dragons received qualifications as section leads.  He also welcomed two new junior pilots for a total of 16 aviators. 

Prince becomes the 63rd commanding officer of VFA-192 and will be charged with leading the World-Famous Golden Dragons into a new work-up cycle where they will partake in Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program, Air Wing Fallon, and detachments onboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70).

VFA-192’s new Executive Officer is Commander Ian “Slick” Kemp, who grew up on both coasts and overseas.