Nearing the end of a lengthy eight-month deployment, the Black Ravens of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135 are returning to their beloved home port of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for some well deserved and much needed rest.

Raven family and friends are also preparing to see their loved ones for the first time in quite a while. Since deploying in July of 2009, the Black Ravens have been supporting joint and naval operations throughout Asia and the Middle East.

The Black Ravens left NAS Whidbey Island on July 21, 2009 for San Diego, Calif. to board the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). After a short period at sea to complete carrier qualifications, they returned to San Diego for two days’ rest. They officially began their Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment on July 31.

The squadron was well prepared, having completed all pre-deployment training. The transit across the Pacific was busy. The Black Ravens got their first real taste of flying during deployment when the air wing participated in multiple large force exercises near the Hawaiian Islands.

Although not scheduled for a stop in the Islands, the ship and air wing spent a week honing their skills for the coming months of combat. The Black Ravens maintenance department also got their first taste of the busy pace that persisted throughout their cruise.

While operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), the Ravens stopped at various ports, including Yokosuka, Japan and Singapore. The crew took full advantage of the port visits and enjoyed the local shopping, historic sights, and cuisine.

Technical Cryptologic Technician 2nd Class (AW/SW) Elizabeth Schroeder referred to Singapore as “a very beautiful and culturally diverse city” and raved about the authentic Indian food.

Shortly after a transit through the Strait of Malacca, the Black Ravens began flying missions in September over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). VAQ-135 performed at an extremely high optempo, supporting 185 sorties totaling 1,170 flight hours.

Although the Ravens began the transit home in late January 2010, the cruise was not over yet. As part of the Nimitz Strike Group, the Ravens spent nearly two months in the 7th Fleet AOR supporting the commander’s theater security cooperation plan.

During this time the Ravens were able to visit Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong. While in port, many of the Ravens participated in volunteer community projects, helping the local populations. One of the most popular programs assisted a local horse riding camp created to benefit the blind.

Following the last port visit, the USS Nimitz and Black Ravens headed east for home. Everyone is looking forwarded to reuniting with friends and family.

“I’m most excited about getting to see my family, having a regular schedule and playing with my two dogs,” said Naval Career Counselor 1st Class (AW/SW) Bryan Lewis, Black Ravens’ Command Career Counselor.

Following the Black Ravens’ home period, the squadron will begin ramping back up to support the Nimitz Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing Eleven during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise this summer. For now though, all look forward to a little quality time at home in the Pacific Northwest.

VAQ-135 Black Ravens are led by Commanding Officer, Cmdr. James Ware III and Executive Officer, Cmdr. Vincent Johnson. During the 2009/2010 WESTPAC deployment, in addition to OEF operations, the Black Ravens completed over 550 cruise sorties totaling more than 1,700 hours during the course of the deployment.