The move was complete as of Oct. 1, when Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VQ-2) officially arrived at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

At a ceremony Sept. 30, Commodore John Dziminowicz, commander Patrol & Reconnaissance Wing 10; Capt. Syd Abernethy, NAS Whidbey commanding officer; Oak Harbor Mayor Pro Tem Danny Paggao, along with city and school officials welcomed VQ-2 to “Team Whidbey” at the Nor’Wester Activity Center.

With about 150 squadron personnel in ranks, Abernethy told the crowd, “Little did I know when I left beautiful Rota, Spain and VQ-2 back in 1998 (as your commanding officer) that seven short years later I would have the honor to welcome you to the great Pacific Northwest. We’re excited you’re here.”

For the last several months VQ-2 has been relocating from Rota to NAS Whidbey as part of the Navywide plan to streamline itself in order to meet emerging threats. The move greatly enhances the squadron’s overall efficiency and improves the operational capabilities of both VQ-1 and VQ-2. 

Aside from the operational aspect of the move, the members of VQ-2 and their families are extremely enthusiastic about becoming involved in the community, and taking part in the area’s various activities.

Cmdr. Clayton Grindle, commanding officer of VQ-2, has expressed his wholehearted embrace of this new homeport location, saying, “Whidbey Island creates a tremendous number of opportunities for the VQ-2 family both professionally and personally.”

Since its original commissioning date on Sept.1, 1955 as Electronic Countermeasures Squadron Two (ECMRON TWO) at the U. S. Naval Air Station, Port Lyautey, Morocco, VQ-2 has been stationed overseas. In January 1960, the squadron transferred to Naval Station Rota, Spain and was renamed Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VQ-2).

VQ-2 has always maintained a first-rate working relationship with its homeport communities and expects to maintain nothing less than an outstanding rapport as they transition to becoming members of the area.  Because of its varied past locations, VQ-2 shows promise to bring new perspectives to an already diverse community.

The squadron has a rich history of excellence as evidenced by a multitude of awards which include the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the NATO Medal, the Battle “E” for 1990, 1991, 1993-1996, 1999, 2000, and 2002, the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award for 1993 and 1999, the Golden Anchor Award for 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, and 2004 the Golden Wrench Award for 1999 and 2001, and the Association of Old Crows Award for 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, and 2001.

While in Spain VQ-2 flew in Operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Mountain Lion, Mountain Sweep, Joint Guardian, Joint Force, and Dolphin Eagle. Additionally, they saw extensive overland combat action in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. VQ-2 is currently continuously deployed and flies from detachments in three separate operational theatres.

As an essential element of the U.S. military transformation, the VQ-2 move has been embraced with tremendous reception from the local community as well.  Whidbey Island provides a beautiful and secure location that will allow the squadron to swiftly move to any part of the world to protect United States interests. Having the EP-3E squadrons co-located along with the MPR assets allows VQ-2 to be more efficient and more capable than ever before. 

“We have a wonderful community that will wrap its arms around you ant take good care of you and your families while you’re home and when you deploy,” Abernethy said in closing.