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Gray Wolves Home After Prowling Afghan Skies

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070130-02
Release Date: 1/30/2007 10:51:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jon Rasmussen, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Northwest

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 returned home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) in the early morning hours of Jan. 27 after successfully completing a deployment to Afghanistan.

The "Gray Wolves" of VAQ-142 departed NASWI on July 15, 2006 for a six-month deployment as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in support of American and NATO ground forces.

VAQ-142 is one of several expeditionary Prowler squadrons which operates exclusively from land-based airfields and includes Air Force aviators in its ranks.

“It was a fast pace,” said Storekeeper 2nd Class Ralph Taylor. “We had to get those planes in the air to save some lives. We had to hurry up and get things done, but do it safely and make sure everyone came home safe.”

The Gray Wolves began operations within 16 hours of arriving at their forward air base in Afghanistan, and supported a high operational tempo throughout their deployment.

The squadron's dependability and effectiveness did not go unnoticed.

“I want to thank the squadron for the fine work done by VAQ-142 while here supporting Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Miller, commander 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. “They completed over 750 sorties with an astounding 99.6 percent sortie completion rate. Your actions have saved the lives of hundreds of ground troops and I appreciate all that you have accomplished.”

In addition to supporting ground troops, VAQ-142 also put in some time helping the local population. Operation Care is an independent outreach program which helps local families with hygiene, medical care, and donations of clothing, shoes, blankets and toys. Many of the Sailors donated items in addition to helping sort and hand out supplies.

“Getting to go outside the gate for a couple hours allowed me to get a different perspective on life,” said Yeoman 3rd Class Bryan Sheehan. "It really gives you an appreciation for what you’ve got.”

Despite keeping busy with both combat and humanitarian operations throughout deployment, the enlisted Sailors of VAQ-142 achieved the highest advancement rate of all VAQ squadrons in the September 2006 advancement cycle.