The Annual Prowler Week wrapped up on July 23 with an evening celebrating the hard work and perseverance of members of the EA-6B Prowler community. Almost 700 guests strolled down the red carpet into a transformed hangar five where they enjoyed fine cuisine, dancing and camaraderie, all in the theme of “Broadway.”

The annual gala also provided Capt. Robert C. Field, Commander, Electric Attack Wing Pacific Fleet, the opportunity to honor the best of the community during an awards presentation.

Bud White Outstanding Civilian of the Year—This prestigious award was established to recognize the top government civilian who has made the most significant contributions to the operation or support of the Prowler community. This year’s award went to Bruce Van Tassell, Navy League.

ALQ-99 Excellence Award—Established to recognize the person who contributes the most to the technical development and improvement of the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system. Wayne Everett from the Naval Research Lab received this distinguished award.

Northrop-Grumman Intelligence Officer of the Year—Lt.j.g. John Herman of VAQ-134 was recognized as the community’s best Intel officer.

Ground Maintenance Officer of the Year—This goes to the EA-6B Officer who demonstrated quality performance in the field of aircraft maintenance over the past year. Sponsored by Pratt & Whitney, this year’s award recipient was Chief Warrant Officer Ray Cropp of VAQ-135.

Landing Signals Officer—Lt. Terry Shashaty of VAQ-132 was this year’s recipient. His waving skills and dedication to duty has had the greatest benefit to their squadron and air wing.

Prowler Tactics Instructor—In recognition of the Prowler tactics instructor who has accomplished and contributed the most in tactics training to the EA-6B community, Lt. Kalohi Clark of VAQ-137 was presented this award.

The Prowler Tactical Excellence Squadron award went to the Zappers of VAQ-130. This honor recognizes the squadron that has demonstrated the best overall tactical expertise over the past year.

The Maintenance Squadron of the Year Award (Golden Wrench) is awarded to the squadron whose Maintenance Department has excelled above all the rest in the community. The Golden Wrench recipient was the VAQ-129 Vikings.

The Adm. Arthur W. Radford Award is presented for being the most outstanding Electronic Attack Squadron in the EA6B community for the year of 2005. VAQ-132 was recognized with this honor.

Aircrew Awards

Capt. Robert Field, COMVAQWINGPAC, and Capt. Sterling Gilliam, commanding officer of VAQ-129, presented this year’s aircrew awards.

Fleet Replacement Pilot of the Year is 1st Lt. George Ogden

Fleet Replacement ECMO of the Year is Lt.j.g. Katherine McMahon

Pilot and ECMO Instructors of the Year are Lt. Chris Hunter and Lt. Dwight Clemons, recognized as the best instructors at VAQ-129. Winners were chosen by their peers for their professionalism and effectiveness in the cockpit and in the classroom.

The Seadog Fodor Memorial Award recognizes leadership, loyalty, dedication to duty and camaraderie and is named for the late Cmdr. Fodor. This year’s award went to Lt. Michael Lisa of VAQ-131.

Finally, the Adm. John Perry Award showcases the EA-6B officer who has demonstrated particular excellence in their contribution to airborne, tactical and electronic warfare for the U.S. Navy. Cmdr. Robert Papadakis from CNO Staff received the 2005 award.