After a return from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and successful Composite Training Unit Exercise, the Shadowhawks are deployment ready. At the completion of COMPTUEX, CVN 71 became blue water-certified and Carrier Air Wing Eight completed work-ups necessary to deploy. VAQ-141 returned to Whidbey for some rest and regrouping before leaving home again for the six-month cruise.

During the time at home, VAQ-141 and COMVAQWINGPAC took time to show their appreciation for Shadowhawks’ hard work. Commodore Richard Field came to a VAQ-141 Quarters to personally present Prowler of the Year Awards. Along with the awards, Field also talked with the Sailors, giving his view on the shape and growth of the Prowler community and answered their questions.

Leading the awardees was IT1(SW) Michael Consolver who received Information Technology Prowler of the Year, while AM1(AW) Mathew Evans received Airframes Branch Prowler of the Year. Both Consolver and Evans are true leaders in the Prowler community and set the example for junior Sailors to follow.

Lt. Dennis Metz was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his superior performance while attached to the Shadowhawks from July 2002 to June 2005. He deployed with the Shadowhawks contributing in the completion of 93 combat sorties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After leaving VAQ-141. he reports to VAQ-129 as an instructor, thereby passing along his exceptional skills and prowess to junior aircrew.

Shadowhawk quarterly awards were presented to IT1(SW) Michael Consolver for earning Senior Sailor, AE2(AW) Arthur Volkman as Shadowhawk of the Quarter, CSSN Sergio Guerrero for Blue Jacket of the Quarter and ATAN Matthew Suto for earning Plane Captain of the Quarter. Each quarterly award winner is a proven professional and outstanding performer for VAQ-141.

In addition, AOCS(AW/SW) Patrick McCollough received a certificate of appreciation for his work with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, YNSN Charles Harbourt was awarded a letter of appreciation for his contributions at Naval Technical Training Center, Meridian, AE2 Daniel Yaeger earned a letter of commendation for his exceptional in rate troubleshooting and repair abilities, and AT3 Ontony Soodsamai was presented with his first Good Conduct Award.

Finally, VAQ-141 also has two new Chief Selects to add to the talent pool. Be sure to shake the hands of AMC(SEL) Mathew Evans and ATC(SEL) Victor Rikard.