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Electronic Attack Wing Pacific Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080226-13
Release Date: 2/26/2008 11:58:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMVAQWINGPAC) held a change of command on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Feb. 22.

Capt. Bradley Russell, deputy commodore of COMVAQWINGPAC, relieved Capt. Thomas Tack as commodore of the wing at an event that doubled as Tack's retirement ceremony. U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, 2nd Congressional District of Wash., was the guest speaker at the event.

A major upcoming focus for the wing that was highlighted during the event was the transition of their community from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler.

"I leave this command at the dawn of a new era and the rebirth of our community and air station," said Tack. "We broke ground on a $60 million hangar upgrade last week and we're nearly three months away from getting our first EA-18G. By this time next year, our first transition squadron, VAQ-132, will be training with the new aircraft. Things have never looked brighter for our base and our community, and I'm grateful for the investment our Navy leadership has rightly made in our mission area."

Tack also spoke of the contributions deckplate Sailors make and how the Navy can't afford to lose them.

"Our people are our greatest and most precious resource," said Tack. "In this era of an all-volunteer force we must cherish each and every American who answers the call to service."

Larsen felt that the contributions made by this community are integral to today's warfighting and need to be recognized and supported by our country.

"As you know all too well, in recent years the mission of this Naval Air Station has served have only grown in importance and you have risen to the challenge. I devote a lot of my time in Washington, D.C. to make sure that people there understand your mission and that they rise to the challenge of supporting our electronic warfare community," said Larsen. "The Prowler's ability to engage in electronic attack, electronic support and electronic detection makes it the center of EW (electronic warfare) capability; we need to continue to recognize that in Washington, D.C.

"I personally would like to see a major Department of Defense-wide investment into electronic warfare that uses the Navy application of EW as a model for our future success," added Larsen.

Russell sees Tack's departure from the Navy as a loss, but his legacy has left a lasting impression beyond the Navy throughout the services.

"Tom's leadership will be sorely missed, not only by the electronic attack community, but by 'Big Navy' and the entire Department of Defense. I don't just say that something nice to say to somebody heading out the door – Tom truly is an officer who has made an impact across service lines and throughout the Defense Department," said Russell. "Tom, stand easy, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. It's over. Well done."

For more news from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, visit www.navy.mil/local/naswhidbey/.