The “Garudas” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 recently welcomed Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.

Roughead was joined by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe Campa Jr., who accompanied him for the remainder of his tour of the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Roughead came to Bagram following a brief visit to Iraq and went to 7th Fleet following the stop in Afghanistan. While at Bagram, the CNO took the opportunity to visit VAQ-134 and held an all-hands call to address all the Sailors on base.

Roughead began his visit with a briefing from VAQ-134’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Gregory Parker. Parker provided the CNO with a brief synopsis of what the Garudas do and how the squadron supports the troops on the ground.

The electronic attack missions the Garudas fly are saving lives on the ground. It was a privilege for me to communicate that to the CNO and to let him know that it would not be possible without the hard work of our Sailors, said Parker.

Following the briefing, Roughead spoke to all of VAQ-134 in the maintenance hangar. He emphasized the importance of the mission Navy expeditionary Prowlers accomplish and praised the Garuda Sailors for their dedication.

The demand for your capability is huge, the CNO stated. He further explained that everyone he has talked to has mentioned how much the Sailors here have contributed to the mission in Afghanistan.

The CNO gave two reasons for his visit to the Garudas: to thank and applaud the work of the soldiers and to field questions in an effort to help him obtain a broad view of issues facing the Navy.

I think it is great that high-level Navy leadership recognizes the accomplishments of not only this squadron, but all Navy expeditionary squadrons, said AT1(AW) John Thomson. It feels good to know our hard work in the war on terror doesn’t go unseen.”

After fielding questions, which ranged from promotion to deployment issues, Roughead posed for a few pictures with the Sailors and was presented with a picture signed by all aircrew members.