Electronic Attack Squadron 130 held a change of command ceremony on June 26 as Cmdr. Eric P. Illston of Woodinville, Wash., relieved Cmdr. Jeffery E. Chism of Tigard, Ore., at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

Capt. George M. Wikoff, commander of Carrier Air Wing Three was the guest speaker as well as the guest of honor.

Illston’s brings his experience as a professional naval aviator to his role as the Zappers’ commanding officer. His naval aviation career began in March 1999 when he reported to VAQ-129 to learn to fly the EA-6B Prowler.

Upon completion of training, Illston reported to the VAQ-141 Shadowhawks and completed two combat deployments on the USS Enterprise and USS Theodore Roosevelt. In his Prowler career, he achieved 573 carrier arrested landings and 2,309 flight hours.

In early 2013, Illston completed the transition to the EA-18G Growler and deployed with VAQ-130 as executive officer aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. To date he has achieved 763 carrier arrested landings and 3,214 flight hours.

Illston’s personal decorations include five strike/flight air medals with combat “V,” multiple Navy and Marine Corps commendation and achievement medals, and various unit campaign and service awards.

“It is my life’s highest ambition to be given the opportunity to serve with the finest group of sailors in the United States Navy – the men and women of the VAQ-130 Zappers,” said Illston. “We will be ready to execute when called upon.”

Chism and Illston thanked the friends and family of the Zappers for their relentless support during a successful command tour and combat deployment. Chism will report to the Federal Executive Fellowship program at the Center of a New American Security in Washington D.C. office.