The command the VQ-1 World Watchers changes today as Cmdr. Cory Howes steps in for Cmdr. Mike Giannetti, who has commanded the EP-3 aircraft squadron since May 2009.

Giannetti’s vision and guidance led VQ-1 to achieve the highest Navy and squadron goals. Of note, World Watchers executed a 100 percent operational sortie completion rate, several consecutive months of 100 percent pilot proficiency training, awarded the 2009 Battle “E” award, received the 2009 Golden Anchor Award for retention, and received the 2009 Blue “M” Award for medical readiness. 

VQ-1 performed over 4,535 mishap-free flight hours while continuously deployed all 12 months of Giannetti’s tenure, flying missions in 5th and 7th Fleets to include Operations Iraqi Freedom and Ensuring Freedom in Afghanistan, and the Struggle Against