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VAQ-137 Changes Command Aboard "Big E"

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060516-15
Release Date: 5/16/2006 10:48:00 PM

By Journalist 3rd Class Jill Broecher, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 held an airborne change of command ceremony aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) at sea May 15.

VAQ-137, which is part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, bid a farewell to Cmdr. Kevin G. Meenaghan, departing commanding officer, and welcomed the promotion of Cmdr. Mike Buchanan from executive officer to commanding officer during the airborne ceremony.

“The flying is great, but I will miss the people more than anything,” said Meenaghan.

Meenaghan, a native of Ashland, Ore., assumed command of the Rooks in February 2005 and saw them through the transition to the ICAP III Block 2 variant of their EA-6B Prowlers. His next assignment is in the Joint Operations Directorate (J3), Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the Pentagon.

Meenaghan started off his command of the Rooks with three inspections that scored well above average and was proud to see them switch to the new ICAP III aircraft. He said it’s a top-of-the-line EA-6B.

“Seeing our whole squadron up there for the airborne change of command was really nice,” said Meenaghan. He complimented his people for everything they’ve done and thanked them for always being there.

Buchanan, from Tularosa, N.M., reported to VAQ-137 as executive officer in February 2005.

Buchanan said he couldn’t have made it to where he is now without a bit of luck, good people and great mentors. His motto is, “Work hard, take care of your people and have fun.”

His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and numerous unit awards and citations. Buchanan has accumulated more than 3,000 total flight hours and 800 carrier-arrested landings on 11 different carriers.

In regards to the deployment, Buchanan wants a safe and successful trip and is ready for whatever the future will bring.

“The people are the best,” said Buchanan about the members of VAQ-137. “They are phenomenal people who work hard every day to get us airborne.”