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VMAQ-1 deploys to support Southern Watch

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 200333111753
Story by Cpl. Nathaniel C. LeBlanc

MCAS CHERRY POINT, N.C.(Feb. 28, 2003) -- Several hundred Marines from Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 and a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 detachment deployed to support Operation Southern Watch Feb. 15.

During the squadron?s ninety-day deployment for Operation Southern Watch, the EA-6B Prowlers will provide electronic warfare support to the aircraft coalitions throughout the region.

?Southern Watch is a scheduled deployment for our squadron, but we are ready for any support that the President may ask of us,? said Lt. Col. William J. Flannery, commanding officer of VMAQ-1, and Pottesville, Pa., native. ?The Prowlers are the only ones who are able to provide the capabilities of electronic warfare, so our presence is vital in supporting our troops and aircraft.?

Deployments are nothing new to VMAQ-1, but for some, this will be their first deployment with new learning experiences and chance to become more efficient at their military occupation specialty.

?On one side, it?ll be hard to leave my wife and family at home, but on the other side this is what I signed up to do,? said Pfc. Perez Zanders, an airframes mechanic with VMAQ-1. ?That?s what it?s all about being a Marine. Plus I?ll be able to have the opportunity to learn more about my job and make self-improvements to become better at what I do.?

First deployments allow Marines to learn new aspects of their job and a chance to implement their training.

?This will be my first deployment, so now I?ll be able to finally get to do what I?ve been training to do,? said Capt. Francisco Rodriguez, an EA-6B Prowler pilot with VMAQ-1, and Shafter, Calif., native. ?It?ll be a completely new experience for me, but I?m confident in my knowledge, training, and the experienced Marines that I?ll be flying with. I hope to go out there and be able to come back with more experience under my belt.?

The veteran Marines look forward to giving the first-deployment Marines a new learning experience.

?We have a lot of experienced electronic countermeasure officers and pilots in the squadron, so it?s a big advantage for those who are deploying for the first time,? said Maj. Scott Copper, an ECMO with VMAQ-1, and Casper, Wyo., native. ?One of the things we hope they?ll gain is an understanding of small leadership because sometimes it can be difficult to get four Marines to agree on something in a matter of seconds while moving at 450 knots.?

With a well encompassed team of veterans and highly skilled Marines, the squadron is a force in readiness.

?I?m confident going overseas with the best team and being able to go out there and get the job done,? said Capt. David A. Muller, a pilot with VMAQ-1, who is a Long Island, N.Y., native. ?We have a sharp team of Marines and I have no doubt that if we go to combat that I?m flying with some of the best Marines out there to accomplish the mission.?