The Scorpions of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 recently set sail with USS George Washington (CVN 73) with
Carrier Air Wing 17 for Tailored Ship’s Training Availability.
TSTA is the first combined training event of the inter-deployment training cycle that will prepare the carrier and the
air wing for their upcoming Partnership of the Americas cruise around South America.
POA is a joint United States Southern Command deployment designed to support U.S. Southern Command’s engagement
strategy in its area of responsibility.
As important as the month-long TSTA cruise is in preparation for deployment, of note is the fact that the Scorpions have
not set sail for an extended period of time since their last cruise on board USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in 2004. Since the
decommissioning of Kennedy, the Scorpions have had little experience operating as part of an air wing and have taken
assignments ashore that normally an expeditionary squadron would fill.
In 2006, the Scorpions deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan and then in 2007, to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.
For many of the aircrew and maintainers, TSTA has been their first experience aboard a carrier other than the few days spent
aboard during carrier qualifications. Despite the long reprieve, senior leadership has been helping newcomers quickly and
eagerly acquire their sea legs as all members welcome the return to carrier aviation.
Asked about her intro to naval aviation at sea, Aviation Ordananceman 3rd Class Alicia Perenkovich summed it up for most of the
Scorpions. “I have really been enjoying the experience on the carrier. Working on the flight deck and being right beside the action is
a bit scary at times but mostly just exciting,” she said enthusiastically.
Getting ready for TSTA has been a challenge for the Scorpion maintenance department. Upon return from Iraq in October, the Scorpions
accepted five new EA-6B Prowlers from sister squadrons while leaving their four war-groomed aircraft in Iraq. Since their arrival back at
Whidbey Island, the maintenance team has worked hard and long to groom the five new jets and send each aircraft through an upgrade
modification. The upgrade provides each jet with a new Digital Flight Control System which helps provide greater aircraft stability when
flying aboard an aircraft carrier. The Scorpions are expected to arrive in port in Norfolk, Va., in mid-March. From there they will return
to Whidbey Island for approximately two weeks before setting sail again.
Because of the hard work and determination of each and every member, the Scorpions are making the most of this training. They will
return for POA in April not just with their sea legs, but also with a bit of salt too.