Whidbey Island

NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. -- The official party stands at attention during the singing of the National Anthem during a change of command ceremony for the 388th Electronic Combat Squadron held at the Officer's Club on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., Mar. 4. Lt. Col. Eric Johnson relinquished command of the squadron to Lt. Col. William Young Jr. at the ceremony. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that formally restates to the officers and enlisted personnel of the command the continuity of the authority of command. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates)

Whidbey Island

NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. - Lt. Col. Eric Johnson passes the 388th Electronic Combat Squadron flag to Col. John McMullen, 366th Operations Group commander, as he relinquishes command during a change of command ceremony for the 388th Electronic Combat Squadron held at the Officer's Club on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., Mar. 4. Lt. Col. William Young Jr. assumed command of the 388th ECS from Colonel Johnson at the ceremony. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that formally restates to the officers and enlisted personnel of the command the continuity of the authority of command. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates)

Whidbey Island’s 388th Electronic Combat Squadron changes hands

Published March 6, 2008
By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates
Navy Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. -- The 388th Electronic Combat Squadron, home ported at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., held a change of command March 4.

Lt. Col. Eric Johnson relinquished command of the squadron to Lt. Col. William Young Jr. There are 24 Airmen in the 388th ECS to complement approximately 8,000 active duty and reserve Navy personnel stationed at NASWI.

Col. John McMullen, 366th Operations Group commander, was the guest speaker and overseer for the event.

"Today we celebrate the accomplishments of the outgoing commander, we celebrate the aspirations and excitement of the incoming squadron commander and, finally, we celebrate the proud squadron heritage," said Colonel McMullen.

Colonel McMullen had further high praise for Colonel Johnson and his leadership during his tenure as the 388th ECS commander.

"(Colonel Johnson) performed magnificently and it's been an honor serving with him over these last 16 months," said Colonel McMullen. "He is a phenomenal commander with an extreme sense of passion for his people. He fought for his people on an individual level and also took on larger issues such as the proper career path for electronic warfare officers, especially from this squadron.

Colonel McMullen also spoke about how Colonel Johnson has led his Airmen in various assignments beyond NASWI.

"Colonel Johnson has deployed countless people, flying literally thousands of hours over hostile territory," said Colonel McMullen. "He did this while stationed at a geographically separated location, which happens to be a Navy base, and during a time when his unit was one of the highest (operational tempo) units in the Air Force."

Colonel Johnson, who has commanded the 388th ECS since Feb. 2006, spoke of the goals set forth by his commander, the contributions of his Airmen, and the contributions of their families.

"We have started down a path ensuring your unique experience is valued and utilized by the Air Force," said Colonel Johnson. "Stand tall and stand proud of what you have accomplished, but I task you to continue to learn and to utilize and spread that knowledge. I thank you for your hard work and I know that you will continue to excel under Colonel Young's tutelage."

Colonel Young's message to the Airmen under his command was to follow him in their future challenges.

"We are going to help win today's fight while preparing to lead tomorrow's fight," said Colonel Young. "Simply put, we will become the premier electronic warfare squadron in the Air Force and we'll make the expeditionary squadrons the best electronic attack squadrons in the Navy. It is my honor to be your commander."

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Whidbey Island’s 388th Electronic Combat Squadron changes hands

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