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Scorpions, Growlers Find a Place to Call Home

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090116-32
Release Date: 1/16/2009 7:56:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- After nearly two years, the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 "Scorpions" began their return to their permanent home of Hangar 5 on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island Jan. 11.

Due to a planned renovation on Hangar 5 to accommodate the new EA-18G Growlers, the approximately 175 Sailors assigned to VAQ-132 moved out in January and February 2007. Although construction is still ongoing in the hangar, the Scorpions are the first of five squadrons to return and begin some day-to-day operations.

"Everybody's excited; we're here in our new spaces, we're spreading out and moving in, and making this place our home," said Lt. Cmdr. Eric Sinibaldi, VAQ-132 administration officer. "It's going to be awesome to get everyone together. It's kind of sad right now because we have a bunch of guys you don't get to see too often. It will be nice to have the squadron back together as a whole again."

The Scorpions' commanding officer, Cmdr. Matt Vandersluis, has zero complaints about the electronic attack squadron's new home.

"The spaces are beautiful. It's better than where we were; we were sharing a space with (VAQ) 139, which was not ideal. But still, thanks to 139 for housing us," said the Detroit native.

About 20 enlisted Sailors and 15 officers are currently returning to the hangar, comprised of the administration department, automated data processing, electronic warfare support, ready room personnel, and the command suite. The remainder of the squadron is expected to begin moving in early this summer. By August of this year, upon completion of training and schools in preparation for their receipt of and transition to the EA-18G, the entire squadron will be in the hangar.

"It's been a smooth transition. It's easy to adjust when you know what's in store, and we've been very well informed of what's expected of us and what's going on down through the pipeline. Our leadership has kept us well into the loop of everything," said Yeoman 2nd Class Hanni Harriman, a VAQ-132 Sailor from Roy, Wash.

To commemorate the occasion, the Scorpions are planning to put together a time capsule not to be opened for, as of now, 25 years. The capsule will contain items reflecting the timeframe, the squadron, the EA-6B Prowler era of electronic warfare, the coming of the Growler era, and naval aviation in general.

"I'm a big fan of thanking the guys before you for the success that you have now. The guys back in 1972 set the foundation for all the success that 132 had and will continue to have (with the Prowler), and we need to do the same thing for the Growler," said Vandersluis. "So, I thought it was a fitting way to kick off our transition into a new platform. Also, it's a way to instill in some of our younger guys in naval aviation that history and tradition are important."

For more news from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, visit www.navy.mil/local/naswhidbey/.