The men and women of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One say farewell to Commanding Officer Joseph K. “Sully” Sullivan today when he passes the baton to Cmdr. Garner D. Morgan Jr.

VQ-1, the Navy’s largest operational squadron, is composed of approximately 90 officers and 430 enlisted personnel continuously deployed worldwide.

Rear Adm. Kenneth William Deutsch, Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Forces Seventh Fleet, guest of honor and keynote speaker, praised Sullivan for his exceptional leadership of VQ-1 through continuous combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Sullivan assumed command of VQ-1 on May 28, 2004, and has guided the squadron to unprecedented levels of maintenance and operational excellence. Since his arrival, VQ-1 has been awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, the Battle “E” Ribbon, the Navy Unit Commendation, the CNO Aviation Safety award, AVCM Donald M. Neal Aircraft Maintenance Golden Wrench Award and has maintained a phenomenal 85.7 percent retention rate.

His next assignment will be at the Industrial College of the Armed

Forces located in Washington, D.C.

Morgan graduated from the University of North Florida in May 1987 with a bachelor degree in computer information science. He was commissioned through Aviation Officer Candidate School in January 1988.

Upon completion of NFO Flight Training and S-3B Fleet Replacement training, his first assignment was to the Scouts of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 24 at NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Fla.

He deployed onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and participated in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Provide Comfort. He served as electronic warfare officer, nuclear weapons training officer and NFO NATOPS evaluator.

In November of 1993, he reported to VS-41 at NAS North Island, San Diego, as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor in the S-3B aircraft.

There he served as Sea Control Wing Pacific Tactical Development and Evaluation officer, aviation electronics-ordnance division officer and quality assurance officer.

In June of 1996 he was assigned to Carrier Air Wing EIGHT at NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va., as a member of the air wing staff. During this time he served as the Battle Group Surface Warfare Commander Watch Captain and completed a second deployment to the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf onboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67).

Returning to San Diego in January 1998, he reported to Commander Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet as Flight Hour Program Manager and Flag Aide. There he earned Joint Professional Military Education through the U.S. Naval War College non-resident program.

In October of 1999, he was assigned to the Topcats of VS-31 and deployed on board USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for a third Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf Deployment. During this tour he participated in Operation Southern Watch and served as squadron Administration Officer, Training Officer and Maintenance Officer.

In January of 2002 he reported to Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk S-3B readiness officer and flight hour program manager.

Selected for transition to the EP-3 as part of the sundown plan for the S-3B community, he reported in May 2004 to the World Watchers of VQ-1 as executive officer.

Morgan has logged over 650 carrier arrested landings and over 2,900 hours in various U.S. Navy aircraft. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy Commendation Medal (six awards).