The year 2004 proved to be an exciting and event-filled year for the Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron 142. Before the year was over, the squadron of EA-6B Prowlers, aircrew and maintainers would be tasked to visit several U.S. States, Territories and foreign countries, crossing a majority of the earth’s surface.

They proved up to every challenge and relished the opportunity to take advantage of the Navy’s time-honored tradition of “Join the Navy and see the world.”

The 2004 World Tour actually began in late 2003. Having returned early in the year from a Saudi Arabian deployment in support of Operation Southern Watch, VAQ-142 anticipated a long period of turn-around time at NAS Whidbey Island, allowing Sailors to catch up on family life.

Unfortunately, this turn-around did not last as long as anticipated.

Shortly before Christmas, VAQ-142 was informed that its world-renowned radar jamming services would be required within the coming few weeks in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Hastily moving into “deployment mode,” the Gray Wolves were packed up and heading to the Middle East in a quick 10 days. One trans-Atlantic Ocean crossing later, the squadron and its four aircraft arrived in Afghanistan, flying missions less than 12 hours later.

The Gray Wolves quickly got used to life in a true combat zone.

Sleeping in tents and later in wood huts, everyone pressed on through clouds of dust, extreme temperatures and the threat of insurgent Afghans coming over the wall. Flights over the country revealed a rugged but breathtaking mountainous terrain.

On completion of their three months of duty, the Gray Wolves sadly left the jets that had served them so well to their sister squadron, VAQ-134 and caught the next charter flight home. Following a joyous homecoming and some well-deserved leave, the Gray Wolves quickly realized that the nation’s war on terror required the squadron to continue to maintain a high level of readiness. Even at home, the Gray Wolves needed to train and fly more than after any past deployment. VAQ-142 accomplished this extensive training through participation in large force exercises with their Air Force brethren.

Approximately one month after post-deployment leave, the Gray Wolves traveled to Alaska for a few weeks of training at Elmendorf AFB. A great deal of knowledge was gained by flying with the “fighter guys,” and when not participating in the exercise there was excellent opportunity to experience Alaska.

Many in the squadron had never been that far north before and were amazed at the vast, untouched wilderness. Equally amazing were the 20 hours of sunshine per day during the Alaskan Summer.

Subsequent months saw small detachments to other training destinations, such as Canada and Boise, Idaho. In each, the Wolves were able to broaden their experience with other military units while simultaneously enjoying a culture and environment different from Washington State.

August saw the Gray Wolves in Las Vegas, playing a part in the Air Force’s premier multi-national exercise, known simply as “Red Flag.”

Many came away from the trip to the desert with a greater appreciation for the comparatively milder weather of the Northwest.

Following a month or two of preparation, the Gray Wolves said goodbye to their families in October, and left for their long anticipated deployment to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The trans-oceanic travels took them first to Hawaii, then Guam and on to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Logistical challenges and Japanese typhoons “stranded” the squadron’s five airplanes and chase personnel in Hawaii for 10 days (instead of the planned two). After the typhoon passed, the squadron flew west again, stopping in the Territory of Guam before completing its travels to Japan.

Each squadron member has enjoyed finishing out the year experiencing this legendary Far Eastern culture. Iwakuni will remain “home” until April, when the Wolves will be back at Whidbey.