The command of Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet will change, Aug. 7, as Capt. Thomas A. Slais, Jr. relieves Capt. Bradley Russell in a ceremony at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Russell led the beginning of the VAQ community’s transition from EA-6B Prowler to EA-18G Growler, accepting new aircraft and leading the effort to make VAQ-129, the Fleet Replacement Squadron, ready for EA-18G training. He also directed the execution of $240 million for aircrew and maintenance training, flight and maintenance simulators, and military construction renovation projects.

Slais, a native of Dimondale, Mich., enlisted in the Navy in 1980, completed the BOOST program in 1981 and was later commissioned through the NROTC program in 1985. 
Slais’ sea and operational assignments include a stint as executive officer and commanding officer of VAQ-130 aboard USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75). He has also served in with ground forces as Deputy Commander, Joint CREW Composite Squadron 1, Multi-National Corps-Iraq. In February 2008, he returned to Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet to serve as the Deputy Commander.

Slais has participated in Operations Southern Watch, Deliberate Guard and Iraqi Freedom. He has logged over 3,400 flight hours and 725 carrier arrested landings, with more than 3,200 hours in the EA-6B Prowler.  The Electronic Attack Wing directs and oversees operations of 11 EA-6B Prowler squadrons, two transitioning EA-18G Growler squadrons, the EA-6B/EA-18G Fleet Replacement Squadron, the Electronic Attack Weapons School, Aviation Supply Department and the EA-18G Fleet Introduction Team, totaling 75 aircraft and over 3,700 personnel.