After a successful tour of command of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 Cmdr.  Jeff Hammer handed the lead to Cmdr. Robert Coughlin, Aug. 12, while airborne over USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). 

Hammer commanded the Zappers since May 2009 and led them through a seemingly endless Fleet Readiness Training Cycle that included detachments to Air Wing Fallon (parts 1 and 2), TSTA, JTFX, COMP2EX, COMP3EX, and COMP4EX. With his command tour now complete he travels to the Joint Forces Staff College for training and then to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Washington, D.C.

“The Zappers are the most professional, motivated, and dedicated team I have ever had the pleasure of serving alongside,” said Coughlin. “They run hard because they want to, not because they need to. 

“They are focused and driven to be the best, and in my opinion they truly are the best of the best,” said Coughlin. “I am proud and honored to be given the privilege of commanding the Zappers and excited for their future.” 

Taking command of the Zappers is Coughlin, a Chicago native who began his naval aviation career enlisting as a Sailor with the VS-32 “Maulers” at NAS Cecil Field, Fla. He deployed to the Mediterranean on USS America (CV 66).

Coughlin later then participated in the Enlisted Education Advancement Program and the Enlisted Commissioning Program, graduating in March 1993 from Auburn University with an aerospace engineering degree. 

Designated a Naval Aviator in August 1995, he served his initial fleet assignment with the VAQ-130 “Zappers.” He deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) flying missions in support of Operations Southern Watch and Provide Comfort. 

Most recently Coughlin reported to the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N. C., serving as a Joint Staff Officer until May 2009 when he joined the Zappers as executive officer.

VAQ-130 is currently conducting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and will remain focused on this very important mission until all squadron personnel and aircraft are back at Whidbey Island. Following deployment, the squadron will transfer their jets to the remaining EA-6B war fighting squadrons, and begin a new chapter in the Zapper’s history with the transition to the world’s most capable AEA platform, the EA-18G. This transition will be the fourth since the squadron’s inception in 1959.

“I am confident the Zappers will meet this challenge as they have so many others in the past,” said Coughlin. “With Zapper pride!”