It is a small staff tasked with a big job, and it is now under new leadership.

In a change of command ceremony June 30, Cmdr. Peter Milnes took over as leader of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s Electronic Attack Weapons School. Milnes assumes command from Cmdr. Peter Yelle, who had been at the EAWS helm since March, 2010.

Guest speaker for the ceremony was Capt. Robert Field, chief of staff for Carrier Strike Group Eight, and one of Yelle’s former commanding office.

“This is an especially meaningful change of command, as it is for one of my own junior officers,” said Field. “He’s been doing a difficult job, and doing it well, for a long period of time.”

Field went on to list the qualities and actions that make superior commanding officers, such as building esprit de corps, inspiring others, monitoring morale, creating an atmosphere of mutual support, being a master of influence and maintaining high standards.

“Without high morale, teamwork and pride, you can’t achieve goals,” Field said. “Cmdr. Yelle was the right man for the job at a critical time, ensuring the efficient transfer from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler. His staff exceeded expectations and created an environment of integrity and high standards.”

Field said superior commanding officers know the importance relationships play in achieving success, and that Yelle was proof of that.

“He has focused on people throughout his career and in his life, as evidenced by all the people here in the audience,” he said.

For his part, Yelle’s farewell address was further evidence of the strong relationships he had built during his time as EAWS leader. His speech was peppered with friendly call-outs for fellow sailors, and delivered with affection.

“To my phenomenal command, I wish you all the best on your next journey,” he said. “I’m in awe of this talented group. All the instructors are the cream of the cream.”

Cmdr. Yelle grew up in New York state and attended college at the University of Central Oklahoma/Thomas Edison State College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology. He attended officer candidate school with the U.S. Coast Guard and was commissioned in 1991.

Yelle transferred to the Navy in 1996, where he completed flight training in 1997 and reported to NASWI for EA-6B transition training. His career in the Navy has brought him to Whidbey Island for several tours of duty. He served as EAWS executive officer before taking command.

Yelle’s successor, Cmdr. Milnes, promised to do his best during the ceremony not to live up to his call sign, “Mumbles,” drawing laughs from the crowd. He said he is amazed by what the EAWS has been able to accomplish.

“Much of that success can be attributed to our former commanding officer,” he said.

“My goal is to ensure EAWS remains one of the top weapons schools in the country. This community is here to train and support the fleet, and that is what we will continue to do,” he continued.

Milnes, a native of Fresno, Calif., graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1993 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1995, when he reported to NAS Whidbey for fleet replacement training in the Prowler with VAQ-129.

After several other tours and duty stations, Milnes returned to VAQ-129 for refresher training before becoming the executive officer of the EAWS in March, 2010.

The EAWS provides comprehensive, formal training to Prowler and Growler aircrew and extensive weapons-related training of the jets’ ordnance and maintenance personnel.

A special “guest” at the change of command ceremony was a Russian surface-to-air (SA-2) missile, serving as an example of some of what the EAWS mission encompasses.

The SA-2 is the most widely deployed and used air defense missile in history.

Officials said the EAWS plans to restore and then display the 27-foot missile.