Capt. Christopher L. Shay will relieve Capt. Thomas A. Slais, Jr., as Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet in a change of command ceremony March 24 with Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, Commander, Naval Air Forces, as ceremony official and guest speaker.

Slais expertly led the VAQ community’s continued transition from EA-6B Prowler to EA-18G Growler, ensuring on-time transition and Safe for Flight designation of the first three Growler squadrons. He directed the execution of $240 million for aircrew and maintenance training, flight and maintenance simulators and military construction renovation projects. Slais’ next job is Director, Navy Inspector General Office in Washington D.C.

Shay, a native of New England, graduated from the University of Vermont in 1985 and earned his commission through the Aviation Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Fla. He was designated a naval flight officer and reported to Attack Squadron (VA) 42 for training as a bombardier/navigator.

Upon completion of replacement training, he joined VA-65 “Fighting Tigers” in April 1988 and completed two deployments on board USS Coral Sea (CV 43) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in support of Operation Desert Storm.

Following his initial fleet tour, Shay returned to VA-42 in July 1991 as a flight instructor. In July 1993, he was assigned to the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Virginia Beach, Va.

After completing transition training at Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 in March 1998, Shay joined the “Gray Wolves” of VAQ-142. During five expeditionary deployments, Shay flew combat missions in support of Operations Northern and Southern Watch, Desert Fox and Allied Force.

Following an assignment to the Naval War College where he earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, Shay reported to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Aviation Tactics Evaluation Group, Fort Bragg, N. C. While assigned to JSOC, he completed two deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

In July 2003, Shay reported to VAQ-140 for duty as Executive Officer and completed a deployment with CVW-7 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In October 2004, he assumed command of VAQ-140 and led the squadron through a short-notice expeditionary deployment to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan in support of U.S. Pacific Command contingency plans. 

Following his command tour, Shay reported to Chief of Naval Operations’ Deep Blue in January 2006, deploying to Iraq supporting Multi-National Corps-Iraq Counter-Improvised Explosive Device and counter-insurgency operations.

From February 2008 until May 2009, Shay commanded VAQ-129, the Fleet Replacement Squadron. In August 2009, he assumed the duties of Deputy Commander, Electronic Attack Wing. 

Shay will be responsible for 13 Electronic Attack squadrons, numbering 3,700 personnel and a combined 78 EA-18G Growlers and EA-6B Prowlers.