NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND – The “Merlins” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3 welcomed a new commanding officer during an official change-of-command ceremony held at Naval Air Station North Island on Aug. 8.
This squadron is responsible for training pilots and air crewmen by providing the most capable warfighters to the fleet. They deploy expeditionary helicopter detachments to carry out naval special warfare, search and rescue, theater security cooperation, strike coordination and reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
During the ceremony presided over by Capt. William “Easy” Eastham, Cmdr. Ian “Zoo” Adams relieved Capt. Thomas “Smokey” Butts as the 47th commanding officer of the squadron.
Butts, who hails from Erlanger, Kentucky, led the Merlins from August 2023 to August 2024. During his tenure as the 46th commanding officer, Butts managed multiple units.
Under his astute leadership, Butts directed the efforts of over 1,000 squadron personnel in the maintenance and operation of nearly 40 permanently assigned aircraft, and surpassed 17,722 cumulative Class A mishap-free flight hours. Following the change of command, Butts is slated to report to Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Pacific as deputy commodore.
“It has been an incredible honor to lead the Merlin Team here at HSC-3,” said Butts. “Although leaving command is bittersweet, I’m thrilled to see… Ian ‘Zoo’ Adams take the helm… Under his leadership, I look forward to seeing the Merlins continue their rich tradition of being the HSC standard bearers and Naval Aviation Enterprise community leaders.”
Adams, a native of Fairfax, Virginia, is joining the Merlins from his position on the Office of Naval Operations staff, where he served as a director of aviation requirements officer.
He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2005, earning a bachelor of science in political science with a minor in Japanese, and earned his wings of gold in May 2007.
“As we stand at the forefront of defending our great nation, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of training and readiness,” said Adams. “Together, we will ensure that our pilots and aircrew are prepared to face any challenge with skill, courage, and unwavering resolve.”
