The “Cougars†of Electronic Attack Squadron 139 conducted a change of command ceremony Thursday, May 12. Cmdr. Chuck Luttrell assumed command, relieving Cmdr. Fred Niles in a ceremony held at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Cmdr. Anthony Calandra has reported as the executive officer.
Under the direction of Cmdr. Niles, the Cougars have won Commander, Electronic Attack Wing’s Semi-Annual Safety “S†for the 1st and 2nd halves of 2004, Commander, Carrier Air Wing 14’s Golden Wrench Award for superior maintenance practices while deployed aboard USS John C. Stennis and Commander, Pacific Fleet’s Retention Excellence Award for 1st Quarter 2005. The Cougars became the first fleet squadron to accept and operate the ICAP-III variant EA-6B. ICAP-III enables the Prowler to be more effective in denying the enemy’s use of the electro-magnetic spectrum while training aviators for the transition to the EA-18G which will begin replacing the EA-6B in 2009. Cmdr Niles will be moving to Norfolk, Va., reporting as operations officer aboard USS Enterprise.
Luttrell, a native of Bloomington, Minn., enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1978. After completing basic training and AMS “A†School, he completed tours in VA-128 and VA-196. In September of 1982, he began studies at Central Washington University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in accounting. While at CWU he drilled with VA0689 and was selected Whidbey Island Reservist of the Year for 1985. In July of 1986 he reported to Aviation Officer Candidate School at NAS Pensacola.
Commissioned an ensign in October 1986 he received orders for initial flight training. Upon completion of EA-6B Fleet Replacement training at VAQ-129, he joined the “Zappers†of VAQ-130 in August 1989 deploying aboard USS John F. Kennedy in support of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In January 1992, Luttrell transferred to Commander, Medium Attack, Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing, US Pacific Fleet to serve as the aide and flag lieutenant. He returned to VAQ-129 serving as a FRS instructor until October 1994.
In December 1994, he reported to VAQ-135 and deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln to the North Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. In November 1996, he attended the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., graduating with a master of arts degree in national security and strategic studies. Prior to returning to VAQ-129 for refresher training, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va.
In October 1998, Luttrell joined VAQ-14. While with the Gray Wolves, he deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in support of operations Desert Fox and Southern Watch as well as two deployments to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in support of Operation Northern Watch. In September 2000, Luttrell reported to Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In February 2004, he reported as executive officer of VAQ-139.
Cmdr. Luttrell has flown 109 combat missions and accumulated more than 2,350 EA-6B flight hours and 450 carrier landings. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, nine Air Medals (three individual with combat V), three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (One with combat V) and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
