By Colin Tolbert-Smith, VAQ-135 PAO

CDR Pat M. Walsh relieved CDR Bruce W. Schneider as Commanding Officer of VAQ-135 on the morning of Friday, 17 September. The Change of Command Ceremony was held in Hanger 8 of NAS Whidbey Island.

The guest speaker, Capt. Jim Greene, Commander of Carrier Air Wing Eleven spoke about the many challenges that the squadron faced and overcame under Schneider’s leadership, and his confidence in the renewed strength of the squadron. He further suggested that this strength was represented by the magnificent paint scheme of the squadron’s Raven 500 aircraft that stood watch over the ceremony. “That,” he said pointing, “is the best looking Prowler I have ever seen.”

In his own remarks, Schneider echoed CAG’s assertion that the Ravens had overcome tremendous challenges and emerged the better for it. As explanation for this achievement Schneider related the outstanding efforts of a number of sailors within the command and noted that such efforts are commonplace among the Ravens. He then introduced his successor, Walsh, saying “There is absolutely no-one in the world that I would rather leave in command of the Black Ravens.”
Greene then conducted the official change of command and a taped panel was removed from Raven 500, revealing Walsh’s name with the letter’s “CO” beneath it. Upon taking the podium Walsh thanked his many friends and relatives, introduced his new Executive Officer, CDR Scott M. Hogan, and spoke about his optimism for the future of the Black Ravens.

Schneider assumed the helm of VAQ-135 in May 2003. Under his leadership the squadron completed its extended eight-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for all participants. Despite the arduous duty his command has been characterized by outstanding retention rates, receiving the Commander Pacific Fleet Retention Excellence Award for 2003. Additionally, under Schneider’s tenure the Ravens have made heroic achievements in maintenance, transitioned their jets to the more modern Block 89A navigation system, and have even flown experimental Improved Capability Prowler III (ICAP III) equipped aircraft.
Schneider leaves the Ravens in excellent condition and in capable hands as he leaves for his next duty station, United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

Although Walsh has a busy time ahead of him as the squadron begins its pre-deployment work-up period he is equipped with a wealth of experience. He has made fleet tours with the Rooks of VAQ-137, the Cougars of VAQ-139, and the Scorpions of VAQ-132.

His shore tours have taken him to VAQ-129, where he was selected EA-6B instructor Pilot of the Year in 1995, the Naval War College, and the Pentagon.

Walsh has accumulated over 3,000 hours and 700 carrier arrested landings in the EA-6B.