Enjoying hot temperatures and great flying conditions, Electronic Attack Squadron 137 (VAQ-137) participated in the Advanced Readiness Program with Carrier Air Wing One from Aug. 8 to 12 at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev. While it wasn’t as long as many Fallon detachments, there was still plenty to do as the Rooks worked with the rest of CVW-1 for the first time as the squadron began its work-up cycle prior to a coming deployment.

Over the course of the week, Rooks took part in many flying exercises, completing all but one scheduled sortie. Most were either a Basic Fighter Maneuvers Counters flight or a Large Forces Exercise flight in which the crews performed the Prowler’s primary mission, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses.

BFMC flights provided for a great time as aircrew were given the chance to see what an air-to-air engagement looks like in the Prowler. Flying against F-5s flown by VFC-13, aircrew learned some valuable lessons about the capabilities and aerodynamic limitations of the Prowler as compared to other aircraft.

“BFMC was a great time in Fallon,” said pilot Lt.j.g. Kyle Aduskevich.

“I wish we had the capabilities to do something against an enemy fighter, but we just weren’t made to do that. We will definitely have to use our assets, such as the Hornets, our jamming and our low altitude capabilities to have any chance in situation like that.”

While the BFMC was fun for the aircrew, the real mission of the Prowler was put to the test with the rest of the air wing. Flying missions with VFA-211, VFA-136 and VAW-123, the Rooks were able to show the Prowler’s capabilities and its importance. Each flight was thoroughly debriefed, and video was shown as to what was happening to the threat radar systems on the ground. During these debriefs, many non-believers became believers of how important the Prowler is.

“From the looks that were given to comments made following the debriefs, you could tell not too many people had an understanding prior to ARP of what the Prowler actually did,” said Lt.j.g. Colin Allen.

“Many aviators in the other squadrons were surprised and impressed with our jamming capabilities, and were glad we were there. It was a chance from then we first arrived, and I was glad of that.”

Flying wasn’t the only thing going on. Many Rooks saw this as a time when the many cogs of the team became one cohesive unit. Much of this started at the barbecue pit during lunchtime, when the MWR contingent of VAQ-137 cooked hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken for the squadron.

Aircrew mixed with maintainers over food, and everyone had a great time.

The MWR “grill crew,” led by CS2 George Carlton, consisted of PR2 Brian Hayden, SK2 Narry Graham, AD3 Gregg Zellar, and PR3 Ryan Mulligan.

“They did an outstanding job and really helped to boost the morale during the detachment,” said Leading Petty Officer, CTT1 Allen Arey.

While the detachment to Fallon is over, our work is hardly complete.

This is just the start of what is sure to be a long, but gratifying, work up schedule for VAQ-137.

“Our guys did a great job, especially all maintenance personnel who kept us going in Fallon, said Commanding Officer Cmdr. Kevin Meenaghan said. “With a team like this, I know we can accomplish many great things in the months ahead.”