• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

U.S. 7th Fleet Welcomes VFA-102

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040220-06

Release Date: 2/20/2004 9:05:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Matthew Schwarz, Naval Air Facility Atsugi Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Robert Willard, U.S. 7th Fleet commander, visited the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 Jan. 28, to welcome the squadron to the fleet.

The Diamondbacks arrived at Naval Air Facility Atsugi Nov. 13, replacing the "Black Knights" of Fighter Squadron (VF) 154. Willard arrived in the morning and spent several hours interacting with Sailors from the squadron and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5.

After eating a quick breakfast with Commander, Carrier Group 5 Rear Adm. James Kelly; Commander, CVW-5, Capt. Joseph Aucoin; and VFA-102 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Michael Vizcarra; Willard addressed khaki-level leadership from both VFA-102 and CVW-5.

"We're very happy to have your capability out here," he said.

He also expressed his goals for the squadron and gave some advice.

"You're going to be thrown into situations that are new and different, and you're going to have to be ready," said Willard. "You can't make mistakes."

After the meeting, Willard went out to meet the junior Sailors, shake their hands, and observe the work they perform on a daily basis.

He first went to the Diamondbacks' Aviation Life Support Systems (ALSS) Department to check out the gear used by the pilots and aircrew of the F/A-18F Super Hornets, the aircraft flown by VFA-102.

"We maintain all of (VFA-102's) flight and survival equipment," said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR) 1st Class Jason Angel.

At ALSS, a team of PRs demonstrated the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, a helmet worn by Super Hornet pilots.

"It's nice to show off to the admiral the new equipment we have," said Angel.

Willard tried on one of the helmets and was impressed by the high-tech display projected on the visor, which shows information about nearby aircraft or ground targets.

When finished appraising the gear, Willard warmly thanked the three Sailors and handed each a "challenge coin," a symbol of recognition used throughout the military.

Then, Willard moved on to bigger toys. Being used to the F-14 Tomcat, he climbed into the cockpit of a nearby Super Hornet to receive a quick lesson on some of the aircraft's capabilities and functions from Lt. Matt Morgan, a Diamondback pilot.

After examining VFA-102's equipment, Willard had to be on his way in order to fulfill the requirements of his busy schedule; however, he stopped for one last comment to the members of the squadron and their families. "Welcome to Japan," he said. "The excitement of living here will be great. You make (CVW 5) very special."