USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) — Tactical Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 held a change of command ceremony aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), June 23.
Cmdr. Russell Jones relieved Cmdr. Christopher Middleton as commanding officer of the “Cougars” during a ceremony on the ship’s forecastle.
Capt. Hamlin Ortiz-Marty, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, said that since he has been in command of the air wing, he has seen nothing but excellence from VAQ-139.
“Everywhere we go the Cougars have been excelling and working hard to make sure that these machines were available to deliver the desired effects in the combat zone over and over again,” said Ortiz-Marty. “And I am really proud to be associated with you guys.”
Middleton deployed as the VAQ-139 executive officer embarked on board Ronald Reagan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009. He assumed command in 2010, deploying again with Carrier Air Wing 14 on board Ronald Reagan in support of Operations Tomodachi, New Dawn, and OEF.
During his tenure, the Cougars were recognized with the 2010 Battle “E,” and the Admiral Arthur Radford Award for the outstanding Prowler Squadron in the U.S. Navy.
During his farewell address, Middleton expressed how privileged he was to serve as the commanding officer of such a dynamic group of sailors.
“Your choice to be a team is why we are successful,” said Middleton. “Our nation is better and safer because of you.”
During the ceremony, Ortiz-Marty presented Middleton with his second Meritorious Service Medal award for exceptional leadership during his tour as commanding officer.
“I am going to miss you,” said Middleton. “But Cmdr. Jones is ready, and the best part is it’s a small Navy, and I’ll get to see you again.”
Jones said he has the opportunity that very few in life have – to land his dream job, and work with an outstanding group of professionals who amaze him everyday with their level of effort and dedication.
Jones reported to VAQ-139 as the executive officer in June 2010, and has remained very busy, with more than 1,800 flight hours in an EA-6B Prowler, including 475 hours in support of combat operations.
Jones will be the last Cougars commanding officer to fly an EA-6B Prowler since the Prowler is scheduled to transition to the EA-18 Growler at the end of 2011.
“I try not to dwell on the transition too much, because we have to stay focused and finish,” said Jones. “We will plan up to it, and in the back of my mind it is very exciting.”
While the Cougars will miss Middleton, they also look forward to Jones’ leadership.
“It was a pleasure serving with (Middleton),” said Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) 3rd Class Katerina Neff. “He will be greatly missed, but the future looks bright and we have high hopes with Cmdr. Jones.”
Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is comprised of Ronald Reagan, guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which includes guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88).
Embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 includes the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)154, the “Argonauts” of VFA-147, the “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, the “Black Eagles” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the “Cougars” of VAQ 139, the “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.
