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'Patriots' Change Command Aboard Eisenhower

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100321-14
Release Date: 3/21/2010 9:54:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Amy Kirk, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DWIGHT D EISEN.HOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the "Patriots," conducted an airborne change of command ceremony March 18 in the skies above USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

Cmdr. Scott T. Farr relieved Cmdr. Timothy F. Murphy during a fly-by ceremony.

Murphy and Farr, both in EA-6B Prowler aircraft, soared together through the sky, symbolizing the change of command for VAQ 140.

They were joined in the air by Capt. Roy Kelley, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, who was flying an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103.

Both Murphy and Farr read their orders to Kelley over the radio before Murphy broke formation, pulling the nose of the aircraft sharply up to signal he was turning over command to Farr. Farr then returned for a high-speed pass over the ship and led the three-plane formation into the air traffic pattern for landing aboard the ship.

Murphy, a native of Holbrook, Mass., said he was proud of how the squadron performed during his 19-month tenure as commanding officer.

"The Battle 'E' we recently received is the formal announcement of what I already knew - we have the best group of maintainers, administrators and aircrew in the Navy," said Murphy. "You have all set the bar very high. I continue to learn from each of you every day, and I am very proud of all of you. There are American and coalition troops alive today because of your efforts over the last year."

Murphy complimented the members of the squadron for always putting forth their best effort - no matter what the task.

"It takes a lot of work, and the men and women of the 'Patriots' make it look effortless," said Murphy.

Murphy departs VAQ 140 and heads to the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C.

A native of Auburn, N.Y., Farr said he looks forward to continuing the great leadership example set by his predecessor, continuing to mold the electronic attack community into an effective, efficient combat force.

"We are going to build upon our success supporting the troops on the ground engaged in combat with the enemy," said Farr. "That is our mission, and the reason we are here."

VAQ 140 is part of CVW 7 and is currently embarked aboard Eisenhower deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations. VAQ 140 is based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.