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"Gauntlets" Return, Kick Off Whidbey Electronic Attack Week

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080807-10
Release Date: 8/7/2008 3:27:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Whetstine, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The "Gauntlets" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island Aug. 6, for the first time in 28 years, to participate in this year's Electronic Attack Week.

The "Gauntlets" are an operational fleet squadron that flies the EA-6B Prowler and are forward deployed at Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan.

"Electronic Attack Week used to be called 'Prowler Week,' but that all changed with the arrival of the Growler," said Lt. Karrie Koski. "Electronic Attack Week is just a way for different electronic warfare squadrons to come together and help strengthen our community."

Some of the events that will occur throughout the week include a golf tournament among squadrons, a barbeque cookout, and a Prowler Ball at Hangar 4.

"This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for VAQ-136 to be back here in Whidbey and be able to participate in the festivities after being away for so long," said Lt. Cmdr. Ken Hansen.

According to Cmdr. Joel Jungemann, commanding officer of VAQ-136, being back in NAS Whidbey Island is also a great opportunity to showcase what the "Gauntlets" have to offer.

"It's good to show to some of the younger guys in other squadrons, that have never been forward-deployed before, who we are and what where capable of," said Jungemann. "Electronic Attack Week is all about the electronic warfare community interacting with each other, but this is the first time we [VAQ 136] got to participate. It is a great honor for us.

For some squadron members like Lt. Hunter Bankart, being back at NAS Whidbey Island is a chance to spend time with family and friends who live in the area.

"Just being able to see my wife, who is pregnant, and enjoy some time with friends who live in the great Northwest makes me very happy and extremely lucky," said Bankart.

"When my husband told me he was coming back here it was a very nice and unexpected surprise," said Becky Bankart. "I'm just so grateful and relieved he gets to be here for our first ultrasound. It truly is a blessing."

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw/.