Cmdr. Christopher Mid-dleton relieved Cmdr. Darryl Walker as Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 “Cougars” commanding officer in a change of command ceremony April 22.

During Walker’s command, the squadron received the 2008 Battle “E” Award, the 2008 Safety “S” Award, the Humanitarian Service Medal for supporting Filipino survivors of Typhoon Fengshen and the 2009 Safety “S” Award.

“I’m proud to have been able to serve as your commander,” said Walker as he related the many well-deserved accomplishments the squadron had earned.

The change of command ceremony marked the end of Walker’s 13-month tour as “Cougar One.” He’ll be heading to San Diego, where he joins the Commander, Naval Air Forces staff.

Middleton, a Laurel, Md. native, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1992, received his wings in 1994 and completed EA-6B Prowler training in 1995.

Middleton deployed with VAQ-140 Patriots on the USS George Washington (CVN 73, participating in Operation Endeavor and Southern Watch over Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iraq, respectively. In 1997, he attended the Prowler Tactics Instructor Course at Electronic Attack Weapons School and deployed again with VAQ-140, this time on the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), flying in support of Operation Southern Watch.

Following a tour with the National Military Command Center, Middleton reported for instructor duty with Fleet Replacement Squadron, VAQ-129.

In 2001, he deployed with VAQ-140 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2003 he joined the Electronic Attack Wing staff and later deployed to Iraq with a Special Operations Group supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Joining VAQ-135 Black Ravens in 2004, Middleton deployed on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), serving as Black Raven Operations and Maintenance officer as they continued support for Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this time, he received the Commander, Naval Air Forces Leadership Award.

His next assignment was on the personal staff of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii. Following his staff tour, he graduated from Naval War College in 2008, reporting to VAQ-139 as executive officer in March 2009.