The Lancers of Electronic Attack Squadron 131 (VAQ) 131 recently left Whidbey Island headed for Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego to meet the USS Abraham Lincoln, Carrier Strike Group 9 and Carrier Air Wing 2 to begin their 2008 deployment. 

The four Lancer EA-6B Prowlers briefed and executed a division flight that successfully took all the jets from Whidbey Island to San Diego with no troubles.

Those familiar with the EA-6B Prowler know how difficult it can be at times because of its age. The Prowler is one of the oldest aircraft in the naval inventory, yet it continues to conduct significant missions around the world protecting aircraft, ships, and ground troops.

Because of its lengthy time in service, it is not an easy task for any Prowler squadron to execute a four plane flight from Whidbey Island to San Diego without any problems from takeoff to touchdown. This successful division flight reflects well on the professionalism of the Lancer Maintenance Department. 

In addition, two airlifts transported the main-body and their equipment from Whidbey Island to San Diego. It was a bittersweet moment for most Lancers and their families.  Nobody ever wants to leave family and loved ones behind, but at the same time, everyone was excited to get under way and carry out the mission they had been preparing to execute for over a year.

According to Lt.j.g. Zachary Simms, VAQ-131, whose wife just had a baby girl, leaving the family is tough.

“I’m going to miss my family, no doubt,” he said, “but practice is over and it’s business time. We are going to execute the plan and get everybody home safely.”

The Lancers vigorously prepared for this deployment for about 18 months. Most training missions are flown from and around their home base in Whidbey Island. They did, however, participate in a Carrier Air Wing 2 exercise in Fallon, Nev., to ensure that communication, coordination and operations within the air wing are smooth.

They also participated in numerous exercises on board USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) over the last year and a half to guarantee that Lincoln, Carrier Air Wing 2 and Strike Group 9 coordination and communications are primed for this deployment.

The USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is slated to conduct operations in the 5th and 7th fleet areas of responsibility.