From a temporary stint in a wheelchair, Cmdr. Steven Trent of VAQ-129s Selected Augmentation Unit accepted a special plaque, Aug. 20, from Northrop-Grumman Corporation.

Trent became the fifth Prowler pilot in history to reach 4,000 hours in the EA-6B aircraft. Patricia McMahon, vice president and integrated product team leader, Electronic Warfare Programs, came from Bethpage, N.Y., to congratulate Trent.

According to Northrop-Grumman, Trent’s 4,000th hour occurred May 9.

“He’s a community icon,” said Capt. Tom Slais, commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, who joined Trent’s parents, John and Donna Trent of Gig Harbor, Wash.; Cmdr. Greg Davis, VAQ-129 SAU officer in charge; and fellow aviators in their newly-renovated spaces in Hangar 5.

“It’s a great airplane,” said Trent, a Seattle native.

Trent also made unexpected news in local newspapers Aug. 5 when he fell climbing Mount Terror in the North Cascades.

Trent said he fractured his femur and broke his ankle, but he expects to be back to full duty in a month to log more Prowler hours.