Volunteering makes VQ-1 a stronger force

As the new volunteer coordinator for Patrol Squadron (VQ) 1, Yeoman 1st Class Sophia Graham has taken the lead to help build a strong community. Graham recently stepped in for Senior Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate Craig Olson who is currently deployed to Iraq. At VQ-1, many Sailors deploy every two to four months, so they appreciate the volunteers’ efforts at mentoring the young ones left back at home. “Parents may not have time based on their deployment schedule, so why not pick up the slack and go give that time back at the schools,” said Graham. Graham recalls her own upbringing, and how volunteers were such a part of her growth and development.
February 25, 2010
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Making appointments at your Navy hospital

Naval Hospital Oak Harbor has a number of same-day appointments available Monday through Friday. However, these appointments fill up quickly, especially during the flu season. If you require a same-day appointment, call TRAC at 1-800-404-4506 Option #6 starting at 7 a.m. If the clerk tells you there is nothing that day or the next, ask to be placed on the Unbooked Appointment Report (UAR). Someone from the clinic should call you within 24 hours. Just be sure your contact numbers are up-to-date. You can also make appointments on-line by registering with TRICAREOnline.com. Follow the directions on the screen to complete your registration. You will need a username and password for each family member account.
February 25, 2010
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Scout presents emergency kits to families

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Sailors and their families received 100 emergency kits from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary group as part of Project Prepare Program, Feb. 12. “The mission of the Project Prepare program addresses a vital global issue, personal disaster preparedness,” said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Darin R. Hand, NAS Whidbey Island command master chief. He explained natural disasters such as hurricane Katrina, the tsunamis in Asia and the earthquake in Haiti illustrate the importance of being personally prepared. The kits were donated by 10-year-old Joshua Hawkins through the program. Project Prepare collaborates with corporations to provide 72 hours of basic essentials in emergency preparedness kits for the families of active duty service members lacking financial resources to provide this level of preparedness themselves.
February 18, 2010
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Rooks help Garudas prepare for return to carrier aviation

In early February, the Electronic Attack (VAQ) 137 Rooks and members of VAQ-134 Garudas returned from a Carrier Qualification (CQ) Detachment on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Carrier qualifications consisted of launching and recovering VAQ-137 and VAQ-129 EA-6B Prowlers for both day and night operations. Aviators require several “traps” or recoveries to become current and stay proficient. The maintainers that launch, recover, and repair the EA-6Bs use this time to train new maintenance personnel and qualify them to work on the flight deck. Detachments of this sort are commonplace in the carrier Navy, but this time the Rooks brought with them select members of the Garudas, typically an expeditionary unit. The Rook plane captains and troubleshooters took 12 counterparts from the Garudas “under their wing” while the Garudas achieved flight deck qualifications. VAQ-134 has been fulfilling the Prowler expeditionary mission for many years but will soon be returning to the life of a “boat” squadron.
February 18, 2010
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Gray Wolves wrap up Red Flag

The Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 Gray Wolves recently returned from a detachment to Nellis Air Force Base, in Las Vegas, where they participated in Red Flag 10-2. During the two-week large force exercise, they flew 29 sorties, totaling 83.5 flight hours in support of complex mission scenarios. During the exercise, the Gray Wolves qualified four Mission Commanders, two SEAD Element Leads and provided critical training for the whole squadron. Many of the experienced Gray Wolves Sailors conveyed their knowledge and skills to the squadron’s newest personnel during the exercise.
February 18, 2010
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Shadowhawks complete EA-18G milestone with flawless CWTPI

Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 received a satisfactory grade with an outstanding rating in 13 of 13 categories during the first Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection (CWTPI) for a fleet EA-18G Growler. “First zero/zero inspection for a Growler transition squadron, although the AV/ARM division is the focal point, such quality results would not be possible without the overall command support,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Senior Chief (AW) James Grassman. “The motivation of all involved was inspiring.” The inspection, conducted in hangar 5 at NAS Whidbey Island, was the culmination of six weeks’ preparation.
February 18, 2010
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VP-40 hosts fleet master chief

U.S. 3rd Fleet Command Master Chief JoAnn Ortloff visited Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 Feb. 10 for a guided tour through a P-3C Orion aircraft and the P-3C simulator, gaining valuable insight on the maritime patrol mission. “I truly appreciate the challenges and complexity of the P-3 mission,” said Ortloff. “The P-3 keeps us aware of what’s going on beneath the surface (of the ocean) and plays a primary role in protecting the fleet.” Orloff spent several hours speaking to Sailors and asking questions about the roles they play in accomplishing VP-40’s mission. Naval Aircrewman (Flight Engineer) 1st Class Ron Fix was one of those Sailors.
February 18, 2010
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CNATTU cleans up community

“It was a great day to participate with the staff and students, in a program geared towards improving the environment as well as building upon our command’s relationship with the community,” said Murphy. The cleanup resulted in the collection of 140 pounds of trash by the end of the day’s event. “Functions like this bring everyone together for the greater good of the community, that in the end, benefits everyone involved,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Dennis Holloman, CNATTU’s First Class Association President. “Each day I drive down Ault Field Road on my way to and from work, I don’t like to see it dirty,” said Naval Aircrewman Avionics 1st Class Nestor Rivera, CNATTU’s Adopt-A-Road coordinator.
February 18, 2010
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SATC range keeps sites set

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Small Arms Training Center (SATC) is located just outside of the fence line of NAS Whidbey Island near Oak Harbor. This outdoor training facility has three separate ranges and some of the greatest views of Mount Rainer, Mount Baker and the Puget Sound. The range complex was built in 1974 with MILCON project funding. The rifle range cost $32,619 the pistol range cost $16,309 and the shotgun range cost a mere $500. The variety of weapons authorized for use at this facility allows for use by the civilian police community, and offers military pistol and rifle teams a location to qualify in the rural area on Whidbey Island. The facility is managed by three government service employees and three Navy Gunners Mate instructors. Average annual weapons qualifications total 3,000 with 150,000 rounds fired each year.
February 11, 2010
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Grey Knights celebrate 46 years mishap free

Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 “Grey Knights” celebrated 46 years and 308,000 hours of mishap free flight Jan. 30 with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony in Hangar 7. “This milestone was made achievable by the safe conduct of maintenance and flight operations, by the book, every time,” said Lt. Nate Dewitz, VP-46 Aviation Safety Officer. Lt. Cmdr. Justin Beeler, Grey Knights’ Operations Officer, noted the coincidence of VP-46 having 46 years without a class A or class B mishap. Class A and B mishaps involve deaths or serious injuries, total destruction of the aircraft or damage to the aircraft and/or property exceeding $500,000.
February 11, 2010
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