The “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 conducted an airborne change of command ceremony May 3 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).
Cmdr. Lewis Callaway from Austin, Texas, relieved Cmdr. William Fraser from Bozeman, Mont., as commanding officer of VAQ-139.
Capt. M. L. Leahey, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, presided over the change of command.
Fraser led the “Cougars” through multiple work-up exercises in preparation for their inaugural EA-18G deployment. He successfully led the “Cougars” through nine months of a deployment supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and operations in U.S. 7th Fleet. During his career, Fraser has accumulated over 3,400 flight hours and 500 arrested landings in the SH-60F/H Seahawk, EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler.
VAQ-139, homeported at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, is currently at sea aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).
Image: US Navy