By Staff
WELCOME ABOARD U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, R-Miss., congratulates Capt. Jeffrey K. Dickman just before Change of Command Ceremonies at NAS Meridian on Wednesday. Guest speaker Capt. Frank Sweigart, center, and outgoing base commander Capt. William F. Carrico Jr. await their turn. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
Aug. 9. 2001
Capt. William F. Carrico Jr. fought back tears Wednesday as he said goodbye to friends and fellow workers at the U.S. Navy base where he was commander the past three years.
Carrico stepped down from his job at Naval Air Station Meridian during a Change of Command Ceremony attended by about 250 family, friends and Navy personnel. Capt. Jeffrey K. Dickman immediately took over as the base's new commander.
Dickman then read his orders placing him in command.
Dickman said that his main goal as commanding officer will be to create a good working environment. Dickman said that "as sad as Capt. Carrico is about getting rid of the job, I'm as happy to be getting it."
Dickman is a 23-year Navy veteran who comes to NAS Meridian after serving with the Navy in Washington. Carrico will now spend a year in Washington attending the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
After the change-of-command ceremony, Dickman said that he believes NAS Meridian has a strong chance to fight off a possible new round of military base closings.
U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, whose 3rd Congressional District includes NAS Meridian, said he also believes the base can successfully fight any threat of closing. Pickering attended the change-of-command ceremony.
Fredie Carmichael is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3228 or E-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.
The Dickman File:
Name: Jeffrey K. Dickman.
Age: 45.
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio.
Occupation: Commanding officer, Naval Air Station Meridian.
Family: Married to the former Kelly Beasley; three children, Joe, Ryan and Kyla.