Jason Schmidt, longtime CFO, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at charter flight operator Tropic Ocean Airways while Kimo Buckon continues as President and COO.

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Founder & CEO Rob Ceravolo, a TOPGUN-trained U.S. Navy fighter pilot, is stepping down after 16 years to become Board Member and Strategic Advisor to the Florida-based operator.

Ceravolo founded the company in 2009 in his garage while stationed at Naval Air Station Key West, with a vision to bring military precision and professionalism to seaplane travel.