ACTIVE DUTY
PAGE 2 | JULY 8, 2011
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Milnes takes charge of EAWS By K ATHY REED
Whidbey Crosswind
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t is a small staff tasked with a big job, and it is now under new leadership. In a change of command ceremony June 30, Cmdr. Peter Milnes took over as leader of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s Electronic Attack Weapons School. Milnes assumes command from Cmdr. Peter Yelle, who had been at the EAWS helm since March, 2010. Guest speaker for the ceremony was Capt. Robert Field, chief of staff for Carrier Strike Group Eight, and one of Yelle’s former commanding office. “This is an especially meaningful change of command, as it is for one of my own junior officers,” said Field. “He’s been doing a difficult job, and doing it well, for a long period of time.” Field went on to list the qualities and actions that make superior commanding officers, such as building esprit de corps, inspiring others, monitoring morale, creating an atmosphere of mutual
support, being a master of influence and maintaining high standards. “Without high morale, teamwork and pride, you can’t achieve goals,” Field said. “Cmdr. Yelle was the right man for the job at a critical time, ensuring the efficient transfer from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler. His staff exceeded expectations and created an environment of integrity and high standards.” Field said superior commanding officers know the importance relationships play in achieving success, and that Yelle was proof of that. “He has focused on people throughout his career and in his life, as evidenced by all the people here in the audience,” he said. For his part, Yelle’s farewell address was further evidence of the strong relationships he had built during his time as EAWS leader. His speech was peppered with friendly callouts for fellow sailors, and delivered with affection. “To my phenomenal command, I wish you all the best on your next jour-
ney,” he said. “I’m in awe of this talented group. All the instructors are the cream of the cream.” Cmdr. Yelle grew up in New York state and attended college at the University of Central Oklahoma/ Thomas Edison State College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology. He attended officer candidate school with the U.S. Coast Guard and was commissioned in 1991. Yelle transferred to the Navy in 1996, where he completed flight training in 1997 and reported to NASWI for EA-6B transition training. His career in the Navy has brought him to Whidbey Island for several tours of duty. He served as EAWS executive officer before taking command. Yelle’s successor, Cmdr. Milnes, promised to do his best during the ceremony not to live up to his call sign, “Mumbles,” drawing laughs from the crowd. He said he is amazed by what the EAWS has been able to accomplish. “Much of that success can be attributed to our
(Above) From left, Capt. Christopher Shay, Cmdr. Peter Yelle, Cmdr. Peter Milnes and Capt. Robert Field bow their heads during the benediction at a change of command ceremony for the EAWS June 30. (Right) Outgoing Cmdr. Peter Yelle addresses the audience as incoming Cmdr. Peter Milnes stands behind him during the change of command ceremony. KATHY REED/WHIDBEY CROSSWIND
former commanding officer,” he said. “My goal is to ensure EAWS remains one of the top weapons schools in the country. This community is here to train and support the fleet, and that is what
SEE EAWS | PAGE 6
VP-40 supports VBSS during SEACAT Malaysia 2011 By Lt. j.g. DAVID ROSENFELDER VP-40 Public Affairs
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia – Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 recently took advantage of a unique opportunity to operate out of an international airport in Kota Kinabalu. VP-40 sent 11 aircrewmen and seven maintenance personnel to provide overhead surveillance while Philippine and Malaysian warships executed boarding exercises in support of the 2011 Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) exercise series. “The SEACAT exercise is an invaluable opportunity for our Southeast Asian friends to practice anti-terrorist/ anti-piracy tactics and techniques while managing large-scale, multi-national planning and coordination,” said Lt. j.g. David Rosenfelder, Combat Aircrew (CAC) 6 Tactical Officer. “Establishing these practices between SEACAT nations provides the keys to success in future training and real-world missions.”
CAC 6, lead by Mission Commander Lt. Chris Mottino, was tasked to provide overhead surveillance and real time communication with Philippine and Malaysian naval vessels over three separate missions as they practiced visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) procedures on USNS Safeguard (ARS 50) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93). The first exercise featured the Philippine Navy practicing compliant boarding procedures on Safeguard. CAC 6 was able to provide an “eye-in-the-sky” for the Philippine Navy as they contacted, approached, and boarded the USNS vessel. The boarding procedures were executed swiftly and with precision. Once the VBSS team safely departed the boarded craft, training was complete. Due to aircraft complications with the oxygen supply system, CAC 6 suffered a delayed takeoff on their second mission.
SEE SEACAT | PAGE 10
AE1 Christensen and AME3 Stone repair a fastener on the engine cowling during VP-40’s participation in SEACAT Malaysia. PHOTO COURTESY OF VP-40 PUBLIC AFFAIRS