Cmdr. Kyle R. Campbell assumed command of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 from Cmdr. Kyle P. Higgins in a ceremony, Aug. 13 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Rear Adm. Mark Vance, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, was the keynote speaker at the event. 

Commenting on Higgins’ accomplishments as Skipper of the Yellow Jackets, Vance said, “As a CO he has perfected his leadership skills. Whether it was day to day operations while deployed, a 95 percent sortie completion rate on cruise, safely leading his squadron to 27 years and 46,000 Class A mishap free hours or tactical contributions to the community and the ICAP III program testing, he has led his squadron magnificently.”

Vance added that perhaps the accomplishment Higgins will most be remembered for are his contributions to the people side of the business. “The camaraderie and esprit de corps that exists within the enlisted and officer ranks in the Yellow Jackets I believe is the real testament to his capabilities as a leader,” Vance said.

Under the charge of Higgins, VAQ-138 completed a full set of workups and a six-month western Pacific deployment. Under his tenure, the squadron flew approximately 1,070 sorties and logged over 1,500 hours, with a 95 percent sortie completion rate.

Higgins’ next assignment will take him to Afghanistan as Provincial Reconstruction team commander, Sharona Province.

“This ceremony is not about me or what I have done while in command,” said Higgins. “It is about the men and women of this great squadron and what they have accomplished while I had the honor of being at the helm.”

Campbell is taking charge during a transitional time for VAQ-138. 

“We begin the transition to the Growler early next year, and with that, my mission will be ensuring the squadron makes it successfully to Safe-For-Flight status and ready to move on to the tactical training phase in preparation for its first Growler deployment,” said Campbell. “Until then, however, we must not forget that we are still in the business of flying the Prowler and must maintain our combat edge until the day we transfer our last EA-6B airframe.