The VAQ-142 Gray Wolves recently held quarters in conjunction with a redeployment safety stand down as they prepared to conclude their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

108 Gray Wolves received awards ranging from Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals to Letters of Commendation. The squadron also announced that four Gray Wolves were promoted through the Combat Meritorious Advance Program (CMAP). CMAP is a process by which Naval Forces Central Command may advance deserving Sailors in pay grades E1 through E5 for extraordinary deeds demonstrated while engaged in, or in direct support of, combat operations. 

Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Akeem Bannis, Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Danilo Leyva-Neves, Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Jeremiah Morales and Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Amber Parmerlee were all advanced to their current rates due to exemplary performance on deployment.

“These Sailors represent the best that the Gray Wolves have to offer,” said Cmdr. Courtney Smith, VAQ-142 commanding officer, adding that “their promotions are effective immediately.”

Smith also named Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Amber Parmerlee as “Blue Jacket of the Quarter” and Aviation Machinist’s Mate Michael Lennox as “Plane Captain of the Quarter.”

The skipper closed the awards ceremony by announcing Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 2nd Class Matthew Langella as Junior Sailor of the Year and Personnel Specialist 1st Class Mario Price as the VAQ-142 Senior Sailor of the Year.

Following quarters and the safety stand down, the Gray Wolves celebrated with a picnic. The day was a refreshing respite from the daily rigors of combat before returning to their busy work schedule, delivering electronic attack throughout Iraq.