There is a new leader at the helm of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130.
In a formal Change of Command ceremony at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island last Friday, Cmdr. Richard Vaccaro relieved Cmdr. Robert Coughlin as commanding officer of the Zappers.
Special guest for the ceremony was Capt. Michael Wallace, Commander Carrier Air Wing Three, who said it was a fitting year for a change of command.
“This year we celebrate 100 years of carrier aviation,” he said. “That is a great accomplishment, especially as we can now look ahead to our bicentennial celebration.”
And leadership, said Wallace, will always be the key to Naval aviation’s success.
“We are totally dependent upon the quality of our leaders. And this squadron is on a track that’s straight and true because of where you’ve led them,” Wallace said of Cmdr. Coughlin. “You set the example for all to follow and laid a solid foundation. Under your leadership, the men and women of VAQ-130 have been able to achieve unprecedented success.”
To the new commanding officer, he had words of advice:
“Trust in your competency, your judgement and your people,” Wallace said. “You don’t get this job by seniority, but by proven ability. I have no doubt you will succeed and I welcome you to command.”
For Cmdr. Coughlin, Friday’s ceremony was more than just a change of command, it was his retirement ceremony as well. At times overcome with emotion, Coughlin told the men and women of his squadron they held a special place in his heart.
“The time with the Zappers has been the most rewarding of my career,” he said. “I can assure you I only watched as the men and women of VAQ-130 executed their duties with great pride and enthusiasm.
“I watched as you returned four Prowlers, giving them back in better condition than when you got them,” Coughlin continued. “I watched you learn to maintain and fly the new EA-18G Growler — and you did so better than everybody who came before you.”
Coughlin presented three awards to members of the Zappers’ team: Lt. Mark Laney was given the squadron’s Lt. Cmdr. Kurt Barich leadership award; Personnel Specialist First Class Nanette Akinleye received the Lt. j.g. Meredith Loughran female leadership award; and Lt. Marc Worthley was presented with the Lt. j.g. Brendan Duffy and Lt. j.g. Chuck Woodard award for tactical excellence. The awards are all named after former Zappers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
Capt. Wallace also presented Cmdr. Coughlin with a meritorious service award for his time at the helm of VAQ-130.
Following the reading of orders, command changed hands from Coughlin to Cmdr. Vaccaro, who had high praise for his outgoing commander.
“Thank you for building the best squadron in naval aviation,” Vaccaro said. “You wanted to raise the bar. … You are leaving the Zappers in a better position than you found them. We sit in a better position today than when you got here and it’s a testament to your leadership.”
When it was time to pipe Cmdr. Coughlin ashore for the last time, Coughlin’s oldest son, Taylor, a Lance Cpl. with the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, Calif., was there to salute his father as he stepped past the sideboys for the last time as an active duty officer.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am to have been part of this outstanding squadron,” Coughlin told the crowd before he left. “Thank you for making this tour the best in my 27 years.”
