Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Marc Cuenca | 190502-N-HC646-0155 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (May 2, 2019) Cmdr. Kevin McCarty, incoming...... read more read more
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OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Cmdr. Kevin McCarty relieved Cmdr. Matthew Schlarmann as commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, May 2.
Schlarmann served as the VAQ 137 commander since Nov. 2017, providing exemplary leadership for VAQ 137, and commanded the squadrons’ deployment to the Mediterranean in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in the first half of 2018. Following OIR, he oversaw a deployment to the Arctic Circle to participate in Operation Trident Juncture aboard the USS Harry Truman (CVN 75), which became the first carrier in more than 30 years to conduct flight operations north of the Arctic Circle.
Schlarmann has accumulated more than 2,700 flight hours and more than 300 carrier-arrested landings between the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler. Schlarmann’s decorations include two Air Medals Strike/Flight, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit, service, and campaign awards.
These numerous accomplishments were all expressed with gratitude during the reading of the Meritorious Service Medal citation presented to Schlarmann by Capt. Matthew Barr, deputy commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.
After the presentation, Schlarmann approached the podium and gave his final remarks of his tour with VAQ 137.
“Time flies and here I am giving my going away speech,” said Schlarmann. “I think back and there were days that felt like years, and then months that felt like days. This was definitely a rewarding tour and I am sad to go.”
Schlarmann then acknowledged the support from his family and presented each person with flowers and gifts. He went on to congratulate McCarty as the incoming commanding officer of VAQ 137.
“I cannot think of a more capable, dedicated, and proven warfighter to turn the command over to than you," said Schlarmann. "Congratulations, and thank you for all that you have done as the executive officer of VAQ 137. You are going to take the "Rooks" to higher levels of success than I ever could.”
Schlarmann then turned his attention to the VAQ 137 squadron, citing all of their hard work.
“I cannot be prouder of what you have accomplished, individually and as a team over the past 18 months,” said Schlarmann. “We could never have accomplished what we did, and won the awards we have won, without you giving it your very best. Even though I leave here today, know that my heart will be with you on that next deployment.”
Schlarmann then presented Lt. Edward J. Desch III, assistant operations officer of VAQ 137, with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM). Following the presentation of the NAM, chief petty officers of VAQ 137 gifted Schlarmann a board with their signatures, decorated with insignia pins.
The ceremony advanced to the reading of orders of McCarty as he officially relieved Schlarmann as commanding officer of VAQ 137. Following the reading of official orders, McCarty’s wife, Brittany McCarty, pinned the Command at Sea insignia on his uniform.
McCarty then approached the podium and spoke as the new commanding officer of VAQ 137.
“Thank you for the opportunity for me to lead the finest men and women our nation has to offer," said McCarty. "Much has been asked from our Sailors and much has been asked from their families. Whether it is the skies of Syria or conducting flight operations north of the Arctic Circle, they continue to rise and meet challenges every day.”
| Date Taken: | 05.02.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 05.02.2019 23:27 |
| Story ID: | 320550 |
| Location: | OAK HARBOR, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 680 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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