The "Zappers" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 held a change of command ceremony aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Dec. 6.

Cmdr. Brendan Stickles relieved Cmdr. Eric Sinibaldi as commanding officer in a ceremony held in the squadron's ready room.

Sinibaldi, a 1997 graduate of Boston University, earned his commission through the Navy ROTC program. He led the Zappers through a work-up cycle and deployment, executing maritime security operations and combat operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations (AOO).

He thanked the squadron for their hard work and dedication.

"I am extremely honored and very proud to have served with such a dedicated group of Americans," Sinibaldi said. "Being called 'skipper' will be one of my most cherished Navy memories. I will never forget the energy and effort these young men and women put in, day in and day out, to accomplish the mission of keeping America safe. I will be forever grateful to have served with my fellow Zappers."

He will report to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

A 1999 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Stickles was thrilled to take command of the Zappers. He served as a VAQ-130 department head and has a deep appreciation for the traditions and history of the squadron.

"The Zappers are some of the most talented and motivated men and women I could ever hope to lead," Stickles said. "I look forward to helping the squadron become even greater. We have already accomplished amazing and historic feats for a VAQ squadron on this deployment. We will continue to push the boundaries of electronic attack in our community and as a part of the carrier air wing. I am honored to take command from 'Skid,' and I look forward to taking what I learned from his command and my own experiences and add to the legacy of VAQ-130."

Cmdr. David Ganci assumed duties as the squadron's executive officer from Stickles.

VAQ-130 is part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) which is comprised of Ike, CSG-10 staff, the squadrons and staff of CVW-3, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff and accompanying guided-missile destroyers USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94), and guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61).

Ike CSG is deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet AOO.

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