Deployment is almost over and being from Whidbey Island, and the deployed crew of Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 are used to the cooler wet season Kadena Air Force Base, Japan is experiencing.

The Line Shack Division doesn’t mind the refreshing weather. One of VP-40s newest members, Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Mathew Smiddy from Manson, Wash., likes the rain.

Alongside Smiddy is fellow line shack division Airman, Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Apprentice Sturgis Whalen, from Biddeford, Maine. Although from opposite ends of the country, they find themselves working together on the VP-40 Flight Line at Kadena.

A typical day in the Line Shack for a new Sailor is busy, to say the least. They are involved with launching and recovery of aircraft 24 hours a day, along with making sure that daily maintenance on all ground support equipment is completed before and after every shift.

These Sailors are busy throughout their 12-hour shifts, being the first and last personnel to handle each aircraft that comes and goes from the flight line.

It has been a long but rewarding deployment for everyone in VP-40, from the newest to the most senior Sailors.

“I am looking forward to the time off and spending it with my wife, Brittanie, and my family and friends,” said Smiddy. “I also want to go to a Seahawks game and watch some TV.”

“I am going back to Maine for a couple weeks to spend time with family and friends,” said Whalen.

VP-40 is scheduled to return to NAS Whidbey Island the first week of December after being relieved by fellow Whidbey Island resident, VP-1.