With the Stars and Stripes as a backdrop, and beside the certain type of Navy jet that is largely the focal point of their extensive careers, two Navy captains in dress white uniforms took part in a ceremony that opened new chapters in each of their lives.

In a formal Change of Command ceremony on Thursday, Capt. Brian E. Bennett relieved Capt. Douglas R. Swoish as Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Swoish completed a two-year tour as commodore as well as a 24-year naval career, with his retirement ceremony immediately following the change of command.

Bennett is now in charge of the Wing, which provides administration, training and maintenance support for all assigned electronic attack squadrons. Electronic attack is the mission of the EA-6B Prowler.

Under Bennett’s command are 14 electronic attack squadrons, one Fleet Readiness Squadron, the Electronic Attack Weapons School and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment, which all together includes 75 aircraft and 4,400 personnel.

Bennett graduated in 1979 from the University of Rochester in New York state, under the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1980. He has accumulated more than 2,000 EA-6B flight hours and 500 carrier arrested landings during his career.

Rear Admiral John P. Cryer III, commander, Naval Space Command, spoke at the change of command ceremony, voicing high praise for both Swoish and Bennett.

“Our nation has been in good hands with a man like Doug Swoish, and it will be in good hands with a man like Brian,” Cryer said.

Contact reporter Christine Smith at csmith@whidbeynewstimes.com or call 675-6611