By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

BELLE CHASSE – Like a scene out of “Top Gun,” the aircraft shone under bright blue skies, the soldiers stood in perfect ranks, their white dress uniforms almost aglow, and an enormous American flag hung behind the stage. But this was no movie set. It was the scene of a real life triumph in the life of an actual Navy hero.

Cmdr. Phillip Faucheux, a LaPlace native who graduated from St. Charles Catholic High School in 1988, assumed command of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 54 in a small ceremony held in an airplane hangar at the Belle Chasse Navy base.

In his address, guest speaker Capt. Michael Marlowe said, “Phil, your journey is about to begin. All eyes will fall on you now.”

Faucheux seems like a man who is comfortable with the attention. During his remarks, he credited his mother, Susan, with giving him a gregarious personality.

He also displays an honest, down-to-earth quality that can be a rarity among those in charge.

While fighting back tears that eventually came, Faucheux demonstrated this easiness of self, saying, “Everyone knows I’m an emotional chick, so I’ll try not to cry.”

It is perhaps a quality instilled in him by his father, Glenn, who urged Faucheux to “always be able to walk with kings, but keep the common touch” — a reference to a line from the Rudyard Kipling poem “If.”

Faucheux was quick to give credit, whether to his family or his extended Navy family, to others for his success.

Of Cmdr. Matthew Lipetska, who was the commanding officer before Faucheux took over, he said, “Probably the biggest thing I’ve learned from him is calm leadership.” Of the other servicemen in VR-54, he said, “It’s all due to the skill of the people I’ve worked with.”

Those around him, however, seemed to recognize the talent Faucheux was reluctant to acknowledge.

Said Marlowe, “Our Navy’s success is totally dependent on the quality of our leaders. I can think of no better man to take charge than Cmdr. Phil Faucheux.”

Among the highlights of Saturday’s ceremony was a special presentation by Faucheux’s children, Cole, Connor and Faith, during which Cole pinned the Command at Sea insignia to his father’s uniform. He later referenced them in his remarks.

“You’re the reason I serve my country,” he said.

He admitted the life of a Navy officer is not always easy on his family, and he had to miss many important events in his children’s lives but said he did it all for them.

Faucheux’s naval career began more than two decades ago. Faucheux said he originally wanted to study law at Tulane University, but his family could not afford the tuition.

“A buddy of mine said, ‘I’m going to be a pilot,’” said Faucheux.

By 1992 he was training for the career that would lead him to his current heights.

As a reservist, Faucheux only spends part of his time with his Navy colleagues. He also flies airplanes for FedEx. His part-time status does not mean part-time commitment, however.

Faucheux said he understands his new role will mean more responsibility.

“It’s going to be a lot more hectic,” he said. “Your phone rings constantly.”

Still, he knows being a good commander boils down to one of the simplest tenets of human life. He closed his remarks with it.

“Take care of your people,” he said.