Set before a backdrop of the Puget Sound aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, the Yellow Jackets of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 held a change of command ceremony Sept. 12, 2013. Cmdr. Matthew Cutter relieved Cmdr. Andrew DeMonte as Commanding Officer of the EA-18G Growler squadron.

The change of command came only two days after the Yellow Jackets homecoming following a five-month operational deployment to Qatar and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Capt. John Springett, Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, spoke at the event and recognized the achievements of VAQ-138 under DeMonte, their operational impact and strategic importance.

“It has been great to watch his quiet leadership style, his consistent desire to put his Sailors first, and his ability to execute the mission despite all the challenges that he faced,” said Springett. “This squadron’s superb combat performance is a direct reflection of his efforts… there were many American lives saved during the period that the squadron was in the fight and everybody here should sleep well knowing that there will be Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors coming home that would not have if you were not there.”

Springett also emphasized the necessity and demand for expeditionary VAQ presence at a moment’s notice due to the sensitivity of current tensions in the Middle East.

“As the Yellow Jackets were in transit from their exceptional deployment, hostilities in Syria were in the forefront of the nation’s radar,” said Springett. “As tensions increased and plans for action loomed, only two questions were on the tongues of senior civilian leadership: ‘Where is the aircraft carrier,’ and ‘Where is VAQ-138?’”

DeMonte reported to VAQ-138 in November of 2010 and served as the Executive Officer until assuming command in May 2012. During his service with VAQ-138, he deployed in support of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.

Under his leadership, the Yellow Jackets were recognized with the 2012 Medical Blue “M” and Commander, Pacific Fleet retention awards as well as the Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist pennant. For exceptional leadership while serving as VAQ-138’s Commanding Officer, DeMonte was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

“I simply want to say thanks; thank you for accepting the challenge of making this squadron nothing less than the best,” said DeMonte. “Fifteen months ago, I challenged this command to answer the nation’s call – whenever that may be… we did that and we did it well, with an inspiring level of positive energy and enthusiasm.”

As his final act in command, DeMonte used the Command Advancement Program to meritoriously advance Petty Officer Katy Trevino to the rate of Aviation Ordnanceman Petty Officer First Class for her exemplary leadership and service as the Aviation Ordnance division Leading Petty Officer.

With the reading of his orders, the role of Commanding Officer was officially passed to Cutter.After assuming command, Cutter, who had previously served as the squadron’s Executive Officer, commended the Yellow Jackets’ outstanding service while on deployment, highlighting the relevance of their recent performance through the lens of Theodore Roosevelt’s ‘The Man in the Arena.’

“Yellow Jackets, let me tell you, you are the people in the arena,” said Cutter. “You are putting it on the line and you are making the difference. I am honored and humbled to be your Commanding Officer.”