The Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron 142 (VAQ-142) have flown EA-6B Prowlers as a land-based expeditionary squadron around the world, including numerous combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Last November, the Gray Wolves returned to NAS Whidbey Island from Iraq as the last expeditionary prowler squadron in the Navy.

This year will mark VAQ-142’s return to carrier operations as the newest member of Carrier Air Wing 11. In preparation for this transition, 10 Sailors, led by Chief Petty Officer Christopher Day, spent 23 days under way with the San Diego based aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

These Gray Wolves worked diligently with the Wizards of VAQ-133, who are currently attached to Carrier Air Wing Nine to earn numerous flight deck qualifications. Over the course of the past few weeks, these Gray Sailors worked diligently to earn seven trouble shooter and two plane captain qualifications, demonstrating the skills required to safely launch and recover the EA-6B Prowler at sea.

Additionally, Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class Michael Hentz earned the Jack Supervisor qualification, allowing him to lead crews of 18 Sailors to safely supervise challenging aircraft jacking operations at sea. Within 10 days, all Sailors were flight deck qualified and by day 13 all necessary qualifications were earned well ahead of time.

“Our Sailors were all well-prepared for the training, which reflected professional pride and good leadership,” said Day. “By earning the qualifications expeditiously, we were able to get more repetitions operating as qualified flight deck personnel.”

The return to carrier-based aviation is a challenging transition. The flight deck of an aircraft carrier is often referred to as the most dangerous workplace in the world, and is notoriously unforgiving of even the slightest errors or miscommunication. This group proved ready and able to tackle what lies ahead.

Lt. Jonathan Fujiwara, a VAQ-142 naval flight officer, said, “I’m just really impressed with our Sailors. Some of us have never been to the ‘boat,’ including me. It’s comforting to know that the Sailors on the flight deck are squared away.”