The men and women of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 recently returned to carrier-based aviation after 19 years service with a detachment on board USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). The last time VAQ-133 deployed as part of an embarked carrier air wing was in 1991 on board USS Forrestal (CV-59).

The Wizards are now attached with Carrier Air Wing Nine and recently completed Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) in February. The squadron found the work an outstanding learning experience and is looking to trade in desert sand for a WestPac deployment with exciting port calls.

Adding to the unique nature of the squadron’s history, VAQ-133 had been designated since 1996 as an expeditionary squadron with a land-based commitment. Along with this commitment came the inclusion of Air Force personnel in their ranks.

This tradition of joint operations continues today with Air Force fliers actively participating in ongoing operations.

With past deployments to such places as Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan; Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; Afghanistan and most recently Iraq, the Wizards have truly been a squadron with a worldwide commitment. Last fall, the squadron transitioned to Carrier Air Wing Nine on board USS John C. Stennis and has since been enjoying getting back to its roots in carrier aviation.

According to Air Force Capt. Vanessa Mahan, the challenges of transitioning from a land-based to a carrier-based squadron has been challenging but an exciting experience.

“In a lot of ways tactical aviation is the same regardless of what platform you’re flying or what branch of service you are,” said Mahan. “Being on board the carrier, however, is a truly unique environment that takes a lot of preparation and learning to do safely. Getting to be on the ship, as an Air Force officer, really is a great opportunity.”

The challenge of moving from the deployed locations they are used to into the confines of the carrier is not limited to just the squadron’s aviators. The aircraft’s maintainers have also had to adjust to life aboard the ship. Even though many Sailors have years of experience in the Navy, many are on the ship for the first time.

“It’s not the same as working from a land-based location,” said Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Sean Webb. “These guys are used to being able to just jump on a jet and get to work. Now that they’re on the carrier they’re learning they have to coordinate with a lot of people before they can do anything.  It’s all new to them, but they’re doing real well working here.”

Now that the Wizards have completed their first TSTA in 19 years, they prepare for the next step towards deployment. In the upcoming months, they will participate in Air Wing Fallon, Composite Training Unit Exercise as well as Joint Task Force Exercise before leaving for deployment later this year.

“Getting jets on and off the boat successfully and safely is what it’s all about,” said Cmdr. Chris Bergen, VAQ-133 Commanding Officer. “It’s why we all joined the Navy in the first place.”