The “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, Aug. 18.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Eric Sinibaldi relieved Cmdr. Eric Illston as the commanding officer of VAQ-130. Illston, of Washington is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound. He was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1999 and reported to VAQ-129 for training in the EA-6B Prowler and later transitioned to the EA-18G Growler. After reporting to VAQ-130 as the executive officer in March 2013, he took command in June 2014.

“Serving as the VAQ-130 commanding officer has been the most rewarding tour of my career,” said Illston. “I am continually humbled by the commitment and hard work of each member of the command who make our success possible.”

Sinibaldi hails from Massachusetts and reported to VAQ-130 as the executive officer in June 2014. He graduated from Boston University and earned his commission through the Boston University Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program in May 1997. Sinibaldi is scheduled to lead the “Zappers” through workups and deployment with Carrier Air Wing 3 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The deployment will be the squadron’s second flying the EA-18G.

“I am very excited to be taking the lead as the commanding officer of the best electronic attack squadron in the world.” said Sinibaldi.

VAQ-130 flies the EA-18G, which is the fourth major variant of the F/A-18 family of aircraft. Their mission, electronic attack, is the offensive suppression of an adversary’s electromagnetic spectrum, focused primarily on radars and communications. VAQ-130 is the longest serving carrier-based electronic warfare squadron in Navy history and has flown the Navy’s four primary tactical jamming aircraft.

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