Electronic Attack Squadron 142 observed a formal change of command Oct. 1 at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Cmdr. David J. Rueter relieved Cmdr. Carlos A. Medina as the commanding officer of the Gray Wolves.

Medina reported to VAQ-142 as executive officer in April 2012 and assumed duties as commanding officer in June 2013. He led the squadron during a nine-month extended combat deployment onboard USS Nimitz that included support of Operation Enduring Freedom and response to the Syrian chemical weapons crisis. Following this deployment, he led the squadron transition from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler.

Under his watch, the Gray Wolves earned the 2013 Commander, Naval Air Force, Pacific Battle “E” and Squadron Blue “M” Awards, Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety “S” Award, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Retention Excellence Award, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist pennant and were the Pacific Fleet recipients of the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy. Medina will next report to USS Nimitz as the carrier’s navigator. USS Nimitz is currently stationed at Naval Station Everett.