Lt. Josh Hattery By Lt. Clay Greunke VAQ-139 For over 27 years, the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 Cougars have denied adversaries use of the electromagnetic spectrum. During this period, their instrument of choice has been the EA-6B Prowler. Starting in February, the Cougars begin closing that chapter by taking to the sea, for the final time, flying the EA-6B Prowler, one of the few remaining Grumman Ironworks airframes in the fleet. The Cougars will soon trade in the familiar backdrop of the Cascade and Olympic mountains for a panoramic view of endless oceans in support of operations in 7th and 5th Fleets. The high level of dedication and professionalism this year has been no different than previous years for the Cougars. Workups at Nellis AFB and NAS Fallon in Nevada, RIMPAC and COMPTUEX have prepared the squadron’s aircrew well for this deployment and they are eager to embark on, what will be for many, their final Prowler missions. VAQ-139 Sailors have been fortunate. They enjoyed the holidays at home after returning from a rigorous work-up schedule. Now they are now geared up to achieve the operational tempo required for the intrinsic demands of flying in the carrier environment. The Cougars have endured the past two weeks with intensive Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) events, priming both aircrew and maintainers for the seven to eight month deployment ahead. While this may be just another deployment for the Cougars, for some in the Cougar Ready Room, it’s their first. “I’ve been looking forward to this since I was a kid,” said Lt. j.g. Rick Boswell. “To be successful I figure I’m going to need to use some elbow grease and have thick skin. I’m ready to work!” Bottom line, the Cougars are excited to explore the world while participating in a very important mission supporting of national and global objectives.