LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Commander Gordon Wilson upon the occa-
sion of his retirement from the United States Navy after a career of
distinguished military service

WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel ensure
our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of democracy,
and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who dedicate their lives to military service
merit the commendation and applause of all citizens for their commitment
to the preservation of American freedom; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to honor and acknowledge those
individuals whose professional lives, military service and civic endeav-
ors serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Commander Gordon Wilson upon the occasion of his retirement from the
United States Navy after a career of distinguished military service; and
WHEREAS, A native of Plandome, New York, Commander Gordon "Gordo"
Wilson retired from active duty in the United States Navy on June 8,
2012, during a formal ceremony in the hanger of Patrol Squadron 30 at
Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida; and
WHEREAS, Commander Gordon Wilson rendered more than 21 years of
distinguished and faithful service to the Nation; he graduated with
distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1991, and subse-
quently earned his Wings of Gold and designation as a Naval Aviator in
1993; and
WHEREAS, During his distinguished military career, Commander Gordon
Wilson deployed throughout the world in direct support of combat and
peacetime deterrence operations, highlighted by service in Operation
Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as in his role as
commanding officer of Patrol Squadron 45 in 2008-2009; and
WHEREAS, Commander Gordon Wilson earned honors as a distinguished
graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 2000, and later served
as a test pilot instructor; throughout his career, he flew more than 35
types of aircraft, including instructor qualifications in the P-3, T-2,
T-38, A-37 and most recently the P-8A Poseidon; and
WHEREAS, During his final tour of duty, Commander Gordon Wilson laid
the framework for the introduction of the newest aircraft in the U.S.
Navy Fleet, the P-8A and the "Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned
Aircraft System"; his last tour was also highlighted by qualification as
the first fleet replacement squadron P-8A instructor pilot and by deliv-
ery of the first P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the Navy; and
WHEREAS, During his career, Commander Wilson earned multiple awards
including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with bronze star for
specific action, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and
numerous campaign and unit awards while also earning his MBA and Master
of Aeronautical Science degrees; and
WHEREAS, Currently a resident of Manhasset, New York, Commander Gordon
Wilson and his wife, Sandra, are the proud parents of three sons, Zeke,
Griffin and Fletcher; and
WHEREAS, In all his official acts, Commander Gordon Wilson was
governed by a sense of loyalty, duty and honor, that allowed him to be a
natural leader; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished military career, Commander
Gordon Wilson has earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his
friends, family and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Commander Gordon Wilson upon the occasion of his retirement from
the United States Navy after a career of distinguished military service;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Commander Gordon Wilson.