From Desert Storm to the USS Midway: Honoring a Legacy of Service

From Desert Storm to the Deck of the USS Midway

On February 14, 2026, beneath the towering flight deck of the historic USS Midway in San Diego, a remarkable tribute unfolded one that bridged decades of service, sacrifice and steadfast commitment to mission.

Surrounded by fellow aviators, distinguished leaders and friends, Mercy Medical Angels President and CEO Rear Admiral James “Gib” Godwin stood before the aircraft that now carries his name: VFA-192 Golden Dragon 313.

From the skies of Desert Storm to a permanent place in naval aviation history, his journey reflects a life defined by duty and a mission that continues today through Mercy Medical Angels’ work providing transportation to medical care for those in need.

A Squadron Bond That Time Cannot Break

The VFA-192 Golden Dragons have long embodied precision, courage and unbreakable camaraderie. That spirit was evident throughout the dedication ceremony as former and current squadron members gathered to honor one of their own.

Standing alongside Rear Admiral Godwin were Vice Admiral Doug Verissimo, USN, Captain John Pettitt, Rear Admiral Terry Kraft President and CEO of the USS Midway Museum and guest of honor Mr. Glenn Kiepe, father of LT Kent Michael Kiepe, USN.

Each represented a chapter in a shared history shaped by carrier decks, long deployments and the quiet understanding forged among those who serve.

The ceremony was more than a naming. It was a reunion of warriors whose bond endures long after uniforms are folded away.

Desert Storm and a Lifetime of Leadership

Rear Admiral Godwin’s service traces back to Operation Desert Storm, when the Golden Dragons played a critical role in combatoperations. Those missions demanded precision, resilience and unwavering focus.

But leadership does not end when active duty concludes.

For Rear Admiral Godwin, service evolved. Today, instead of launching aircraft from a carrier deck, he helps launch hope for patients who cannot afford to travel for specialized treatment. Under his leadership, Mercy Medical Angels provides transportation to medical care through gas cards, ride-share vouchers, volunteer pilot flights and commercial airline tickets.

The same determination that once guided missions overseas now guides families toward healing.

His name on VFA-192 Golden Dragon 313 symbolizes that continuity a life dedicated not only to national defense but to the well-being of fellow Americans.

A Tribute Etched in Steel

To see his name now permanently associated with Golden Dragon 313 is to witness a legacy made tangible.

Aircraft carry stories. They represent the skill of those who maintain them, the courage of those who fly them and the history of the squadron they serve. For the Golden Dragons, this dedication ensures thatfuture generations will ask: Who was Rear Admiral James “Gib” Godwin?

And they will learn about service that spanned from combat missions to compassionate leadership.

They will learn that the mission never truly ends it simply changes form.

From Desert Storm to the deck of the USS Midway our CEO's name now lives on VFA-192 Golden Dragon 313 forever.

Proud to Be Led by Service

At Mercy Medical Angels, we often speak about missions of mercy. We talk about Veterans traveling hundreds of miles for specialty care. We share stories of families who finally reach treatment because someone provided the fuel, the flight or the fare.

Leadership rooted in service shapes that work.

Rear Admiral Godwin understands sacrifice because he has lived it. He understands commitment because he has relied on it. And he understands that behind every mission number is a human story.

That perspective guides our Angel Wings for Veterans program, which ensures Veterans have expanded access to transportation to medical care. It informs partnerships that allow us to stretch every donated dollar so that 89 percent of funds go directly to patient programs.

The dedication of Golden Dragon 313 was not just a celebration of the past. It was a powerful reminder that the values forged in uniform continue to strengthen our mission today.

A Mission That Never Ends

As the ceremony concluded aboard the USS Midway, surrounded by fellow squadron members and friends, the message was clear: service does not stop when the uniform comes off.

It evolves.

From combat operations during Desert Storm to ensuring a child can reach chemotherapy, from carrier landings to coordinating private volunteer pilots, the throughline is unwavering commitment.

We are proud to be led by someone who gave so much for this country and who continues to give so much to patients fighting for their health every day.

Because whether in the cockpit or in the community, the mission never ends.

Join us in honoring that legacy by helping us provide transportation to medical care for the next patient waiting for hope.

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