NAS Lemoore Argonauts (VFA-147) to welcome a new commanding officer

Commander Christopher A. Case of Ridgefield, Connecticut, will relieve Commander Jason D. Divito of Seminole, Florida, in a ceremonial fly-over at Naval Air Station Lemoore, in Lemoore, CA, on November 17, 2023.

Divito assumed command in August of 2022 and led the Argonauts through the conclusion of the first deployment of the F-35C Lightning II and the massive preparation of an upcoming change of home station.

With Divito as the commanding officer and Case as the executive officer, the Argonauts participated in multiple Large Force Exercises that included participation from the USAF, USMC, USN, and international partners to train toward lethal and survivable scenarios in any environment.

Divito will retire from the U.S. Navy after over 20 years of service.

“The most rewarding part of this tour was watching the Argonauts grow through both success and hardship. The Argo family is strong – it’s the most talented and cohesive group of people I’ve ever worked with – from bottom to top. This squadron has proved, again and again, the full potential of junior Sailors and junior officers when entrusted with difficult tasks,” said Divito.

CDR Divito was relieved by VFA-147’s Executive Officer CDR Christopher A. Case on November 17, 2023.

CDR Case assumed command at a crucial point, as the Navy’s first F-35C squadron to deploy now prepares to leave familiar shores and set out across the unknown seas.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve as the squadron’s executive officer.  The support I have received from our sailors, chiefs, and officers has been incredibly motivating.  I am looking forward to continuing with this incredible squadron and serving as its commanding officer. I am forever grateful to Divito for his mentorship, guidance, and the solid path he has put the Argonauts toward. This squadron stands ready to project lethal and integrated 5th generation air power anywhere in the world and at any time.”

A native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, Commander Christopher “Penguin” Case graduated from Purdue University in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology Professional Flight. Case reported to NAS Pensacola in February 2006 for Navy Officer Candidate School and subsequent flight training. He was designated a Naval Aviator in May 2008 and said to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana for initial fleet training in the FA-18E/F Super Hornet.

VFA-147 is one of only two operational F-35C squadrons in the Navy and is located at NAS Lemoore, CA. The squadron was established aboard NAS Lemoore on February 1, 1967, as the Navy’s first A-7A Corsair II squadron. The Argonauts have participated in every conflict, from air operations over Vietnam to close air support missions in support of U. S. and Coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron is dedicated to bringing unique 5th-generation capabilities to the entire carrier strike group, the fleet, and the joint force.