Working together key when earthquake strikes

Whidbey Island is not immune to earthquakes. On the heels of the Los Angeles magnitude 5.4 quake on July 29, the University of Washington reported a magnitude 3.0 earthquake July 30 at 10:30 p.m. near Port Townsend, Wa. The Nisqualy quake of Feb. 28, 2001 measured 6.8 and was the largest recorded quake in Washington state history. It shook Whidbey Island hard with some structural damage reported on base. Did you know Whidbey Island has a fault that runs through the south end of the island? No one knows when natural disasters will strike, but the key to saving people is preparedness and good communication.
August 7, 2008
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Lancers addition a welcome force

The Lancers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 received much needed help from the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 in the form of Cryptologic Technician 1st Class Jennifer Thomas. Before the Lancers left for their 2008 deployment, they were in dire need of a Cryptologic Technician to help them accomplish their mission for combat operations in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Thomas, VAQ-141, stepped up to the plate and volunteered to help out the Lancers for several reasons. First, she was aware of their fine reputation across the flight line, so she took the opportunity to be part of a winning team. Second, she felt strongly about the mission the Lancers were going to conduct on their deployment, what their mission stood for and the impact that it was going to have on the ground troops.
August 7, 2008
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World Watchers mark 16 years of reconnaissance

They fly alone and unafraid. For 16 years, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 have been a consistent presence in 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility. There have been aircraft modifications and even changes to homeports, but it maintains the pace of forward-deployed operations that support the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance needs of U.S. Central Command. The World Watchers continue to distinguish the EP-3 as the reconnaissance asset of choice for U.S. and multi-national forces. The aircraft’s ability to remain on station for extended periods has proven to be an invaluable resource to troops on the ground. They are in high demand but relatively short supply.
July 31, 2008
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Oak Harbor National Night Out is family event

Military personnel and DoD civilians are invited to the 25th Annual National Night Out, a unique crime and drug prevention event, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Oak Harbor’s Windjammer Park. National Night Out campaign involves citizens, law enforcement agencies and emergency personnel from the City of Oak Harbor, Island County Sheriff’s Department and NAS Whidbey, social service organizations, civic groups, businesses and local officials from Island County.
July 31, 2008
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Command of Whidbey Marines change

With the Strait of San de Fuca as a backdrop, Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53 (MATSG 53) held a change of command ceremony, July 25, when U.S. Marine Corps Col. Timothy B. Cutright assumed command from Col. William J. Flannery, who retired at the same ceremony with 25 years of Marine Corps service. Cutright is a native of Elkins, W. Va., and a graduate of Youngstown State University. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in October 1986.
July 31, 2008
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NAS Whidbey Island Hosts College Fair

The Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island Navy College Office hosted a college fair at the Admiral Nimitz Hall, July 22. The event featured approximately 20 colleges and universities from across the U.S. educating Sailors on the educational opportunities available to them. The schools, from both the East and West coast, gave insight into their distance-learning, degree, and accreditation programs.
July 31, 2008
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Whidbey Island Race Week hosts Navy Day

A Navy Day celebration was held at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club and Crescent Harbor Adventures on the Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island Seaplane Base as part of the 26th annual Whidbey Island Race Week, July 24. The event marks the first year since 2001 that the celebration has been held on base due to the heightened security measures post-9/11. The Chief Petty Officers Club provided 750 meals of barbecue ribs and chicken with all the fixings and drinks were provided by the Officers Club. There was also a live band, Andy O, which played the early evening at the Yacht Club before transferring to Crescent Harbor Adventures, playing until midnight.
July 31, 2008
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Cougars celebrate 25 years of excellence

Electronic Attack Squadron 139 (VAQ-139) will celebrate its 25th year this month. For a quarter century, the Cougars of VAQ-139 have denied adversaries use of the electromagnetic spectrum. By attacking hostile radar and communications, Cougar Prowlers not only degrade enemy situational awareness, but also protect other U.S. forces in the battle space. Over the 25 years of electronic attack operations, the Cougars have made 12 West Pac deployments on six different aircraft carriers, USS Constellation (CV 64), USS Independence (CV 62), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and is currently deployed on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) conducting deterrence operations in the waters of the Western Pacific.
July 24, 2008
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Navy mechanics volunteer to restore PBY Catalina engine

How did an old PBY Catalina engine found in Alabama end up at the Fleet Readiness Center Northwest Support Equipment Division? It came by way of the PBY Memorial Foundation in Oak Harbor. “Alan Hodgkins, a local aircraft restorer, had found the engine on eBay for us back in October 2006,” said Win Stites, president of the foundation. “It was located in Alabama and owned by a man and wife who run a motorcycle business.” The foundation paid $1,100 for the cutaway engine. The engine had been on public display since April 2007 at the PBY Memorial Foundation’s office at the old downtown Oak Harbor gas station on Pioneer Way until the doors closed in December 2007 because of planned development of the site.
July 24, 2008
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Predecessor to VAQ-131; VAH-4 returns to Oak Harbor for anniversary

Navy reunions allow old shipmates time to renew friendships and reflect on events past. This was the case when members of Heavy Attack Squadron 4, better known as Heavy Four, came from throughout the U.S. to Oak Harbor July 17-19 for a reunion. “Your time and reputation at VAH-4 have set the standard for your successors, the Lancers of VAQ-131,” said squadron commanding officer Cmdr. Brad Jensen, in a special letter he sent while deployed. “Pictures of your mighty Skywarrior are proudly displayed in our Ready Room both at home and at sea on board USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).”
July 24, 2008
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