The "Cougars" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 were proud to retire Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Jody C. Perkins of Tulsa, Oklahoma, after 20 years of faithful service in a ceremony held at the Bakerview Restaurant Chief Petty Officer's Club, May 26.

Perkins reported to Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes in Great Lakes, Illinois, August 1997. After completing boot camp October 1997, he reported to aviation electronics technician "A" School in Pensacola, Florida, from October 1997 to March 1998. After completing "C" school in Lemoore, California, on August 1998 he reported to his first command with the "Vampires" of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 in China Lake, California.

In June 2000, he transferred to the "Dambusters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 in Atsugi, Japan, where he advanced to petty officer second class. He then returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, this time to the "Stingers" of VFA-113. In July 2004, he received orders to the Pearl of the Desert in El Centro, California, where he advanced to petty officer first class while attached to the "Desert Rattlers" of Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Maintenance Unit. Following, he returned to Atsugi, Japan with the "Royal Maces" of VFA-27 from September 2007 to December 2010, where he was selected for chief petty officer in 2010. In January 2011, Perkins arrived at NAS Whidbey Island and reported to the "Vikings" of VAQ-129. Finally, he transferred to VAQ-139, June 2014.

His personal awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with silver star.

According to Cmdr. David Vondrak, VAQ-129's maintenance officer during Perkin's tenure and currently Fleet Readiness Center Northwest's commanding officer, he was the right chief petty officer to provide leadership in the maintenance department during the VAQ community's transition to the EA-18G Growler, a variant of the Super Hornet.

"He knew his trade and he got jets ready for the flight schedule," said Vondrak. "Chief [Perkins] has had successful tours in the VX, VFA, and VAQ communities, serving in numerous positions. No matter the location throughout his career, there have been countless men and women that Perkins has met, serviced alongside, and led. Chief has been instrumental in the development of numerous Sailors. His example of hard-work, dedication, and commitment to mission accomplishment is without equal, and each Sailor that had the great fortune to be in your company have much richer lives, and our Navy is a better organization."

During his time with the "Cougars", Perkins was a mentor for the most junior sailor to the most senior officer. According to Cmdr. David Skarosi, commanding officer of VAQ-139, Perkins was diligent in promoting esprit de corps, and was the embodiment of the squadron's motto, "cougars taking care of cougars". He was instrumental in helping Sailors advance, earn their Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) designation, and training the next generation of leaders for the United States Navy.

"This nation has been at war nearly 16 years, and [Perkins] has been in the Navy for its entirety," said Skarosi. "He worked on airplanes, but when he pinned on anchors, he worked on the people. Chief Perkins, on behalf of the 'Cougars' of VAQ-139 and everyone you have served with, thank you. To your mother Lorene, brother James, sister-in-law Debbie, sister Julie, your children Ada and Jonathan, and wife Cynthia, thank you for sharing your son, husband, father, and brother with us. Your sacrifices did not go unnoticed and best of luck in the next phase of your lives. Boatswain, standby to pipe the side, shipmate's going ashore."

VAQ-139 is an EA-18G Growler squadron stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, with the primary mission of providing electronic attack support to land and sea-based assets.

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