The Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 Gray Wolves recently returned from a detachment to Nellis Air Force Base, in Las Vegas, where they participated in Red Flag 10-2. 

During the two-week large force exercise, they flew 29 sorties, totaling 83.5 flight hours in support of complex mission scenarios. During the exercise, the Gray Wolves qualified four Mission Commanders, two SEAD Element Leads and provided critical training for the whole squadron.

Many of the experienced Gray Wolves Sailors conveyed their knowledge and skills to the squadron’s newest personnel during the exercise.

“Red Flag is a good training tool due to its tempo of operations,” said Aviation Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Patrick King. “It gives a good feeling of going from day-to-day operations in Whidbey to what day-to-day operations in the desert will be like.”

Aviation Survival Equipmentman Akiem Chambers agreed. “The flying reminds me of Iraq, in how busy we were,” said Chambers.

The Red Flag exercise provides a key opportunity for multi-national and multi-service training. Various Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Royal Air Force fixed and rotary wing squadrons, as well as various ground support units, also participated. VAQ-142 Sailors now have a better understanding of the complexities and capabilities of large force joint operations. 

As the capstone exercise in a seven-month inter-deployment readiness cycle, the exercise was an invaluable step in preparation for the Gray Wolves’ upcoming deployment. 

“Red Flag was our graduation exercise; now we’re ready to go back to war,” said Cmdr. Courtney Smith, VAQ-142 commanding officer, at a recent squadron quarters.