By Lt. Tara Palmer, Electronic Attack Squadron 139 Public Affairs Officer

USS CARL VINSON (CVN70), At Sea (NNS) — The “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 conducted an airborne change of command ceremony May 3 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).
Cmdr. Lewis Callaway from Austin, Texas, relieved Cmdr. William Fraser from Bozeman, Mont., as commanding officer of VAQ-139.
Capt. M. L. Leahey, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, presided over the change of command.
Fraser led the “Cougars” through multiple work-up exercises in preparation for their inaugural EA-18G deployment. Fraser successfully led the “Cougars” through nine months of a deployment supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and operations in U.S. 7th Fleet. During his career, Fraser has accumulated over 3,400 flight hours and 500 arrested landings in the SH-60F/H Seahawk, EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler.
“The ‘Cougars’ are a remarkable organization of dedicated individuals that have selflessly and professionally operated through the work-up cycle and deployment like no other squadron I’ve been a part of. It has been my absolute privilege to command VAQ-139 because I have been afforded the opportunity to take these remarkable Sailors into combat,” said Fraser. “I have no doubt that Cmdr. Callaway will continue leading the ‘Cougars’ to even greater distinction as they return home from their sunrise EA-18G deployment.”
Callaway graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He earned his naval flight officer wings at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, in March 2000.
Callaway’s sea tours include assignments with Forward Deployed Naval Forces in the “Gauntlets” of VAQ-136, the “Zappers” of VAQ-130, and the “Cougars” of VAQ-139. He made multiple deployments to the U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility, including the initial combat sorties for Operation Iraqi Freedom and combat sorties supporting operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve.
Shore assignments include tours as fleet replacement squadron instructor and executive officer at VAQ-129, placement officer at Navy Personnel Command, and air operations Officer on the staff of Commander, Strike Force Training, Atlantic.
Callaway is qualified as an air wing strike lead, EA-6B Prowler tactics instructor and a mission commander in the EA-18G Growler.
Callaway’s personal decorations include the Air Medal with Combat V, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit commendations and awards.
“I am extremely grateful and proud to have the opportunity to continue the tradition of excellence set forth by all current and previous ‘Cougars.’ I look forward to leading and working closely with the extraordinary Sailors of VAQ-139,” said Callaway.
VAQ-139, homeported at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, is currently at sea aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

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