Ex-Blue Angels Pilot ‘V8’ Verissimo Takes Command of Carl Vinson

Capt. Douglas Verissimo. Photo via U.S. Navy

Capt. Douglas “V8” Verissimo took over as commanding officer of the San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson at a ceremony on the flight deck Tuesday.Verissimo, formerly the skipper of the amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans who onc flew with the Blue Angels, replaced Capt. Karl Thomas, who was recently selected for promotion to rear