Cmdr. John MacTavish recently handed over the reins as commanding officer of the “Zappers” of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 130 to Cmdr. Scott Moran during a change of command ceremony held in the forecastle of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

MacTavish had been commanding officer of the Zappers since December 2006.

Leaving the Zappers, Cmdr. MacTavish now heads to United States Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

MacTavish said he was very proud of the squadron he has commanded for the past 15 months.

“I am truly impressed with your skill, style, humor and work ethic,” said MacTavish while addressing the crew during the ceremony.

He also thanked his department heads for all the support he was given during his time as skipper.

“In this business, one does not get the luxury of choosing one’s staff,” he said. “In my case, I have been truly lucky to be surrounded with such an outstanding group.”

“I am equally proud and honored to have had the chance to be your commanding officer,” said MacTavish.

Cmdr. Moran, the new skipper of VAQ-130, began his speech by reminding everyone of the positive changes the Zappers have undergone during Cmdr. MacTavish’s time as skipper.

“Skipper MacTavish challenged everyone in the squadron to understand their piece of the puzzle and to carry out those responsibilities with pride and professionalism,” said Moran.

He added that he plans to continue honing the squadron’s expertise to enable the Zappers to overcome any challenge they may encounter in the future.

“The Zappers will continue to focus on the development of young leaders so that when we turn the reins over to the next generation, we transmit a professional culture that possesses superior confidence and skill,” said Cmdr. Moran.

“For nearly half a century the Zappers have done admirably by following the philosophy of safe execution, professional expertise and the development of young leader"s, he added. “By following our predecessor’s path, together we will establish our own place in the proud history of the squadron.”