The VAQ-130 Zappers are having quite a successful year. Since their return from deployment in March, they have been recognized several times for their achievements.

Most recently, the Zappers have received the 2005 COMPACFLT Retention Excellence Award. This award honors the squadron’s exemplary reenlistment and attrition rates for the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The Zappers are one of only two squadrons to receive this honor for two consecutive quarters. This recognition follows their impressive win of the Prowler Squadron of the Year 2005 Tactical Excellence award.

The Zappers had a Zone A (service of 0-6 years) retention rate of 57.1 percent, well above the quarterly honor roll’s required 53 percent. Zapper retention rates were 100 percent in all other zones.

Additionally, the attrition rate in VAQ-130 was only 12.5 percent for Zone A, and zero percent in all other zones. These rates easily beat the 18 percent goal.

Adm. Walter Doran, Commander Pacific Fleet, said in the quarterly honor roll message, “Your dedication and commitment to career motivation and excellence not only exemplify your superb performance, but also attest to your concern for the personal and professional needs of our Sailors.”

The Zappers believe that dedication to mission and people comes first.

“We try very hard to create a positive command climate in all levels in the chain of command,” said Cmdr. Tom Slais, Zapper commanding officer.

“The high levels of retention in the squadron are directly attributable to proactive career counselors, involved supervisors and a command master chief who is absolutely committed to Sailor development.”