After serving over forty years, Vice Admiral David Architzel turned the helm of the Naval Air Systems Command to Vice Admiral David Dunaway Thursday morning, September 20, 2012.

Admiral Architzel began his Navy career in 1969 when he became a Naval Academy midshipman. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1973.

His quest speakers provided many examples of Admiral Archetzel’s accomplishments during his naval service. He went on to earn his wings and become an S-3 Viking pilot accumulating 5,000 flight hours with 4,300 in the S-3 and the remainder as a Pax River test pilot.

Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Greenert spoke of Admiral Architzel’s ability “to understand the long term picture” and used the P-8 Poseidon program as an example. “Dave and his team looked at the engine and said ‘you know who’s saying we can’t do things the old way? Lets look at how we’re going to overhaul this engine, when do we have to do it?”  Admiral Greenert told those attending this one example is projected to save the Navy “$2 billion dollars.”

The CNO then present Mrs. Barbara Architzel with the Department of Navy Meritorious Public Service Award for her exceptional service to the Navy, her volunteer leadership roles in the community and Navy spouses clubs for over 30years.

The CNO also present Admiral Architzel with the Distinguished Service Medal, gold star in lieu of third award.

The Honorable Sean Stackley, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development & Acquisition) noted that “today’s ceremony honors the last active duty member of the Class of 1973.” He also noted that “Decoy had 24 duty assignments spread over 40 years.” He further added that “your impact on our Navy and Marine Corps has been huge and enduring.” Finally, Mr. Stackley spoke of “two David Architzel’s: one by day and the other by night. The first David Architzel would spend 12 to 16 hours a day completing his Navy work while the other David Architzel was a master gardener, a Washington Nationals fan, model railroad enthusiast and avid golfer.”

The Honorable Steny Hoyer spoke of the time when Admiral Architzel became Commander, Naval Air Systems Command in 2010.  “He found a surrounding community already strongly supporting the installation. We all know about the famous bumper stickers here that read: ‘jet noise – the sound of freedom.’

“But Dave saw as part of his mission to bring Pax River and the surrounding community closer. While NAVAIR Commander, Dave enrolled in Leadership Maryland and got