Cmdr. Steven Thomas assumed command of the Electronic Attack Weapons School at a May 8 ceremony at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

The school provides training for EA-18G Growler aircrew as well as extensive weapons related training to ordnance and maintenance personnel. The school is the center for all EA-18G tactical matters.

“I’m very excited to continue on with the EAWS team,” Thomas said. “We have top-notch support with our aviation ordnancemen and instructor staff. We’ve accomplished some great things but there’s a lot more on the horizon.”

Thomas replaces Cmdr. Scott Propst, who is retiring from the Navy with more than 20 years of service. He flew more than 2,000 hours in both the EA-6B Prowler and the EA-18G and made 480 carrier arrested landings. He completed two Western Pacific deployments aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.