VAQ-137 changes command

Cmdr. Kevin G. Meenaghan relieved Cmdr. Jeffrey S. Ruth as commanding officer of VA-137, the Rooks, yesterday.

There’s a new head rook at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

Cmdr. Kevin G. Meenaghan relieved Cmdr. Jeffrey S. Ruth as commanding officer of VAQ-137, the Rooks, yesterday.

Meenaghan is a native of Ashland, Ore. He attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., where he graduated in May 1986 with a degree in computer science and received his commission as an ensign.

Meenaghan received his wings as an aviator in October 1988. He has made deployments aboard the aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson and USS Kitty Hawk. Meenaghan has been a flight instructor and is cross-trained in the F/A18-Hornet. In August 1997, Meenaghan transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler

In November 2000, Commander Meenaghan reported to Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet as operations officer. He stood up the EA-6B night vision goggle program and in January 2001, he was selected as aviator of the year. Cmdr. Meenaghan assumed the duties as chief staff officer for EA-6B Tactical Wing in December 2001.

Meenaghan reported as the VAQ-137 executive officer in October 2003.

Meenaghan’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and numerous unit awards and citations.

Meenaghan has accumulated more than 3,000 total flight hours, 1,400 A-6E hours, 1,100 EA-6B hours and 700 carrier-arrested landings.

Ruth’s next assignment is navigation officer on the USS George Washington based out of Norfolk, Va.