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The Rooks Change Command Aboard Enterprise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071002-05
Release Date: 10/2/2007 12:44:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Wax, USS Enterprise Public Affairs/Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 held a change of command ceremony Oct. 1, on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) as it steamed around the Persian Gulf.

Cmdr. James Lins relieved Cmdr. Mike Buchanan as commanding officer of the “Rooks” in the at-sea ceremony.

Buchanan will be taking over as operations officer aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). During his final remarks to the personnel of VAQ-137, he expressed his gratitude for all of their hard work throughout his tour.

“Your efforts and skills have not gone unnoticed,” he said. “During the last two years, your sacrifice has been phenomenal. You will be remembered as free men and women who stood up against terrorism and made the world safe for your children and grandchildren.”

Commander, Carrier Air Wing 1, Capt. Mark Wralstad, congratulated Buchanan for the job he did while in command of the Rooks.

“Being a commanding officer (CO) is not about the individual,” said Wralstad. “It is about the responsibility placed on that individual to look out for the health and welfare of his people and aircraft. As CO, your squadron set the standard.”

Buchanan was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal by Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12, Rear Adm. Dan Holloway before reading his orders and turning command over to Lins.

Lins takes charge of VAQ-137 after serving previously as their executive officer. Before joining the Rooks, he served successful tours with Sea Combat Control Squadron (VS) 24; Naval Strike Warfare Center where he worked as an instructor; flight deck officer aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67); Sea Control Squadron (VS) 30; Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and U.S. Central Command’s forward combined air operations center in Al Udeid, Qatar.

Lins opened his tour as commanding officer with some words for his new squadron.

“I hope to have the wisdom to lead you effectively and safely,” he said. “Bottom line, Rooks will take care of one another.”

About the ceremonies timing and location, Lins said, “I cannot think of a better place for a change-of-command. This is where it is meant to be. A wind swept flight deck, in the enemy’s backyard, with war planes in the background.”