The Cougars of VAQ-139 were awarded the 2010 Battle ‘E’ for West Coast Prowler squadrons earlier this month.
“It was a great year for the squadron and the air wing and it is an honor to be recognized as a team,” said Cmdr. Chris Middleton, VAQ-139 commanding officer. The unit was deployed or detached more often last year than in the previous deployment year.
“I believe the Battle ‘E’ is the ultimate teamwork award,” said Middleton. “In a year where so many units were deployed or detached and in a year where so many performed so well, it is a humble experience to be named.”
The accomplishments of the year included RIMPAC on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as well as Air Wing Fallon, under way periods for workups and detachments to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; and China Lake and Lemoore, Calif.
March 3, 2011
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It’s March. That means it’s time for the annual Navy Marine Corps Relief Society’ annual fund drive.
This year’s coordinators are Ensign Shirley Barraclough and Chief Electronics Technician Michael Ruckhaber from NAS Whidbey Island.
Although they are aiming to beat last year’s donation total, over $226,000, their goal is to ensure 100 percent contact with all base personnel. So everyone has the chance to contribute in one way or another. So be ready to hear from your command representative and give what you can.
Right out of the gate, the NAS Whidbey Island First Class Petty Officer Association is managing the 50/50 Raffle with tickets available all month long from its members. This is a great way to donate. Half of all money collected for raffle tickets goes to NMCRS. The other half goes to a lucky winner if his or her ticket is drawn at the end of the month.
March 3, 2011
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Last Wednesday Oak Harbor received an uncharacteristically late visit from “Old Man” winter.
NAS Whidbey Island recorded six inches of snow on the runways while surrounding areas in the higher elevations on the island reported an extra three inches.
The average snowfall in February is less than half an inch. The base hasn’t seen this much snow since December 2008 when the region was closed down for nine inches of snow that fell over a four-day period.
Thanks to the Herculean effort by the men and women who work for Chugach Industrial, Inc., the base operating support contractor over the three major “snow” days, vital sections of the airfield were cleared, planes were de-iced, roads were plowed and parking lots were scraped, making limited operations possible.
March 3, 2011
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NAS Whidbey Island is home for Master-at-Arms Seaman Rhonda McGee, 25, who is the only female to fight for the Navy boxing team and the Armed Forces boxing championships.
McGee became interested in boxing at 16 years old, and she officially took up the sport two years ago. Her journey to the U.S. Navy boxing team started with a minicamp back last September. Having to spar various males during the event in San Diego, McGee was notified shortly after that she had made the cut for the All Navy boxing team. NAS Security gave McGee their full support and approved her chit to attend the events quickly.
McGee’s first stop was Naval Base Ventura County from Jan. 2 to Feb. 13. Training Monday through Saturday, her day entailed two hours of cardio work out in the morning, which consisted of six- mile runs or cycling. The afternoon was spent doing circuit training and focusing on abdominal exercises. Her evening ended with at least two hours of boxing training.
March 3, 2011
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The Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron 142 (VAQ-142) have flown EA-6B Prowlers as a land-based expeditionary squadron around the world, including numerous combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Last November, the Gray Wolves returned to NAS Whidbey Island from Iraq as the last expeditionary prowler squadron in the Navy.
This year will mark VAQ-142’s return to carrier operations as the newest member of Carrier Air Wing 11. In preparation for this transition, 10 Sailors, led by Chief Petty Officer Christopher Day, spent 23 days under way with the San Diego based aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
These Gray Wolves worked diligently with the Wizards of VAQ-133, who are currently attached to Carrier Air Wing Nine to earn numerous flight deck qualifications. Over the course of the past few weeks, these Gray Sailors worked diligently to earn seven trouble shooter and two plane captain qualifications, demonstrating the skills required to safely launch and recover the EA-6B Prowler at sea.
March 3, 2011
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Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, Carrier Strike Group 9 (CSG 9) commander, recently joined the VAQ-131 Lancers for a flight in an EA-6B Prowler.
Guadagnini joined Lt. Cmdr. Kelly Richards, Lt. Cmdr. Brett Stevenson and Lt. Zach Simms for a unit level training flight simulating the defense of the Carrier Strike Group from external threats.
“It is amazing how powerful the Prowler is in the electronic warfare world — but only when used in the hands of well-trained pilots and electronic countermeasures officers.” said Guadagnini.
During the flight, the crew demonstrated the role the Prowler played in Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and New Dawn (OND) in addition to the traditional electronic attack mission of countering and defeating enemy radar and communication systems.
March 3, 2011
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In recognition of their sustained superior performance, the Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) “Scorpions” were awarded the coveted Battle Efficiency (“E”) for 2010.
Throughout the year, the Scorpions seized every opportunity to train to and develop tactics, techniques and procedures as the inaugural EA-18G Growler squadron.
In March, VAQ-132 was the first fleet squadron to launch an Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile and High-speed Anti Radiation Missile from the EA-18G platform.
The squadron proved its mettle during the Commander, Electronic Attack Wing’s Conventional Weapon Technical Proficiency Inspection, during which they scored 167 out of a possible 170 points.
February 24, 2011
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NAS Whidbey Island’s Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) has received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Only 15 percent of all small animal veterinary practices in the U.S. have achieved accreditation by the AHAA. The evaluation includes a quality assessment review of the hospital’s facility, medical equipment, practice methods and pet health care management.
“NAS Whidbey Island VTF belongs to a select group of practices that are committed to meeting the standard of veterinary excellence,” said Gregg Takashima, DVM, AAHA president. “AAHA hospitals pass a stringent evaluation of over 900 standards covering patient care, client service and medical protocols. By attaining accreditation, NAS Whidbey Island VTF is demonstrating its dedication to offering the best care to its patients and clients.”
February 24, 2011
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The Totems of Patrol Squadron (VP) 69, based at NAS Whidbey Island, said farewell to their 30th commanding officer, Feb. 12 as Cmdr. Peter Morse assumed command from Cmdr. Hebert Frederick.
Rear Adm. Douglas J. Asbjornsen, former VP-69 skipper, and current reserve deputy commander for the Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command was the guest speaker for the tradition-filled change of command ceremony. In his civilian capacity, Asbjornsen has been a public school administrator for 21 years, serving as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
During Fredrick’s tour VP-69 successfully completed more than 400 sorties and 1,740 mishap-free flight hours with a 90.4 percent execution rate. Totem aircrews participated in a 3rd Fleet and a 7th Fleet anti-submarine warfare exercise and three Strike Group exercises. Their efforts totaled 1,990 man-days, 36 sorties and 223 flight hours of operational support to the Fleet.
February 24, 2011
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Cmdr. Keith Eitner relieved Cmdr. Gregory Davis as commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) in a traditional change of command ceremony held Feb. 12.
Capt. Thomas Slais, Jr., commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, was the guest speaker.
“It has truly been a privilege to work for and alongside all the talented people in the SAU,” said Davis. “The dedication of the Reservists who work here is second to none. Your training of future EA-6B and EA-18G pilots and naval flight officers is truly inspirational.”
Davis left the command in the capable hands of Eitner who has been with SAU since November 2006. He served as the Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer for the command before taking on the Executive Officer position during the last 18 months.
February 24, 2011
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