The Black Ravens have had a demanding first two weeks at sea since embarking with USS Nimitz (CVN 68) for their WestPac 2005 deployment.

Since leaving family and friends behind at the beginning of May from their homes in Whidbey Island, members of VAQ-135 have remained focused and are preparing for operations in the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf regions.

On May 5, the squadron traveled to San Diego and after two days on-loading preparations onboard Nimitz, they set sail along with the rest of Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) and other components of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.

There was no rest as all-hands quickly set up shops and conducted Carrier Qualifications. The Raven Maintenance department, winner of the CVW-11’s 2004 Golden Wrench, provided four up Prowlers, allowing the squadron to be the first squadron to complete CQ requirements.

Within a few days, Nimitz began its trek west while CVW-11 began conducting blue water operations and strike missions once within range of the Hawaiian training areas. During the week of training, VAQ-135 accomplished 49 sorties, 69.1 hours, for a 100 percent mission completion rate. These accomplishments are even more impressive in that the Ravens are doing it with 25 percent fewer people.

VAQ-135, along with the rest of NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group 11, is participating in CNO’s Optimal Manning Experiment (OME) aimed at streamlining policy and inserting technologies to support a reduced workforce.

Capt. T. A. Cropper, Commander, CVW-11 spoke to VAQ-135 at Quarters on the Fo’c’s’le before pulling into their first Port Call.

“You can always count on the Ravens,” Cropper pointed out in talking about how they have set the bar high for maintenance professionalism and their continued strong performance on the flight deck. He also gave special recognition to AME3 Ricky Halford for discovering and finding a crucial part from the cockpit of an EA-6B.

Following the week and a half transit across the Pacific Ocean, Sailors enjoyed some well-deserved liberty in Hawaii. Nimitz pulled into Pearl Harbor Naval Base and for two days, the Black Ravens enjoyed the beaches of Waikiki, tours to USS Arizona Memorial and Diamond Head, Oahu’s beautiful golf courses and shopping in downtown Honolulu.

As the ship pulled away from the pier in Pearl Harbor, the much awaited advancement results were posted.  VAQ-135 Commanding Officer, Pat Walsh, had the pleasure of frocking 23 of his Sailors to the next rank, the highest in CVW-11.

The Ravens also advanced two to Senior Chiefs, YNCS Gilbert Sanchez and AMCS Craig Warnick.

AME1 Tammy Miller and AZ1 Scott Battle were advanced to First Class Petty Officer.

Six sailors made Second Class: YN2 Heather Alleman, AD2 Michael Johnson, AT2 Katrina Kinney, AM2 Brandon Lee, AZ2 William Simms and AM2 Wan Wu.

Finally, 11 Ravens put on their Crow: AE3 Jesse Alexander, AT3 James Bissel, AD3 Mike Byas, AM3 Brian Charnock, AE3 Danny Clarion, AD3 Misty Herring, AM3 Brett Oates, AM3 Andrew Puetz, AT3 Michael Steverson, and IT3 Chelsea Unrein, CTT3 Tiffany Barrett, AZ3 Michael Jones and AM3 Erik Martinez.

Speaking of the Black Ravens, the skipper said, “Their hard work and training over the last eight months as truly been remarkable. We are well-prepared and looking forward to the challenges over the coming months.”