Strike Fighter Squadron one three six (VFA-136) welcomed a new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony March 8.
Commander E. P. Hadler, from Kirkland relieved Commander David Haney from Loveland, Colorado, during the ceremony held at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.
Haney assumed command in October 2016 and led VFA-136 through a robust work-up cycle beginning in 2017, culminating with the recent return from Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) 2018 aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). Haney is retiring from the military after 20 years of service.
“This tour has been the most challenging and rewarding tour of my career,” Haney said. “Following the move from Oceana to Lemoore and rebuilding the squadron manpower after such heavy losses, to see the growth and teamwork come together during work-ups provides a sense of accomplishment and pride in the Knighthawks. This is the finest group of Sailors I have ever met. The squadron is prepared to ‘Win in Combat.’”
Hadler is the 26th commanding officer to lead VFA-136 and has assumed command at a crucial point in the intermediate phase as the squadron prepares to execute an operational deployment onboard CVN-75. Prior to commanding VFA-136, Hadler served at the United States European Command (EUCOM) Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.
“It is truly an honor to be selected and I am humbled to be following in Cmdr. Haney’s footsteps as commanding officer,” Hadler said. “I look forward to leading the men and women of the Knighthawks as we continue to build on the incredible success we’ve enjoyed over the past year. In the next few weeks, we will deploy aboard the USS Harry S. Truman and put into practice all of our hard work and training as we measure up to our squadron’s motto – ‘Win in Combat!’” I am confident that this squadron will continue to succeed while we continue to develop every Sailor as a leader for the Navy and the nation.”
VFA-136 is a Strike Fighter Squadron homeported at NAS Lemoore, California.
The squadron was stood up at NAS Lemoore, California in July 1985. After a robust work up cycle beginning in 2017 and culminating with the recent return from COMPTUEX 2018 aboard CVN-75, the Knighthawks are ready to execute the nation’s bidding on their 15th deployment.
Continually striving for success, the Knighthawks keep their standards high in order to continue to be an example to the strike fighter community.
Their success will always come in their ability to efficiently, safely and professionally “Win In Combat.”
