The Shadowhawks have fallen into a groove in Al Asad, Iraq, now that part of the squadron has been detached from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) the past month.

Most people originally went to Al Asad not knowing what to expect, and quite a few were anxious about being deployed into Iraq.

Of course, the sight that greeted them was one that most Sailors aren’t used to seeing—plenty of beach, but no ocean. But after being at sea for several weeks, most were happy to be on solid ground again.

AD2 Jason Fink now feels comfortable in Al Asad, describing it as “an extension of Whidbey” due to the now cooler weather and similar work schedule.

Temperatures have dropped greatly over the past month, and now maintainers on night shift even have to wear cold weather gear.

After arriving, everyone became acquainted with their new accommodations, affectionately known as “cans.” The cans are linked trailers about 15 feet by 8 feet in dimension.

Fortunately, the trailers are equipped with air conditioning, a necessity in the warmer months of Iraq and just as important as heaters are now. The cans are sparse and often as crowded as shipboard conditions.

Office spaces are at a premium. Reclaimed Iraqi buildings were gutted and cleaned out to provide the bare necessities. After working from a borrowed Marine Electronic Attack (VMAQ)-1 office for the first several weeks, VAQ-141 was able to stake its claim and grab a space of our own.

Plywood and two-by-four lumber have been used to construct everything from walls and doors to tables and chairs. Nothing is extravagant, but everyone stays warm and has a place to work.

The mess decks that Sailors are used have been replaced by the chow hall. The food is good and the Sailors and Marines are well taken care of.

Additional services include a military exchange, gym, and an MWR facility. These are all bare bones facilities, but provide the same conveniences available at sea. For many, the opportunity to call home from the MWR building is the biggest comfort.

ADAN Zach Miller said after a call home he has to remind himself, “I’m in the middle of Iraq. I forget I’m here.”

VAQ-141 maintainers work 12-hour shifts from a reclaimed Hardened Airplane Structure (HAS). The HAS is decorated with Arabic writing and pictures of Mig-25s, providing a contrasting background to the fleet of Prowlers.

Provided with only raw materials, the Shadowhawks constructed the entire squadron’s workshops within the HAS. From these makeshift shops and with limited resources, a group of 50 maintainers enabled three Shadowhawks’ Prowlers to execute more than 800 flight hours and over 150 combat sorties, while assisting diverted carrier jets and working closely with fellow Prowler squadron VMAQ-1.

The experience is a rare one for Sailors normally stationed aboard a carrier. Although conditions are not ideal, no one is complaining. Each realizes his or her direct contribution in Operation Iraqi Freedom and is proud to serve here.