The impressive pace of VQ-1 operations continues in Operation Iraqi Freedom as EP-3E combat reconnaissance crews meet the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance needs of the U.S. Central Command component commanders.

The Navy EP-3E ARIES (Airborne Reconnaissance Integrated Electronics System) aircraft and aircrews detached to the CENTCOM AOR as Task Group 57.1 continue to deliver critical intelligence to the war fighter. As a manned intelligence platform, the EP-3E has distinguished itself as the ìasset of choiceî for Army, Marine Corps and Multi-National Forces on the ground in Iraq.

The flexibility of EP-3E crews and their ability to remain on-station for extended periods is an invaluable resource for units on the ground.

As new targets or potential targets emerge, the EP-3E has the capability and staying power to be in the right place, at the right time to deliver critical information. On station, the EP-3E provides an impressive technological mix of intelligence collection capability in order to provide the ìbig pictureî to those on the ground.

Nearly as prevalent as the missions in support of OIF, the EP-3E is a mainstay of the Combined Forces Maritime Component Commanders collection strategy throughout the rest of the AOR. Building on a tradition of providing fleet support, the ARIES crews are in regular contact with the ships of Expeditionary Striking Force Five, including the carrier and the ìbig-deckî amphibious assault ship in the area. The EP-3E provides fleet warfare commanders with critical indications and warning, as well as important inputs to overall intelligence requirements.

In both mission areas, the EP-3E is also developing significant synergistic effects working with their sister P-3C squadrons in the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aviation community. The benefits of the MPRA community start with the exceptional relationships between the combined VP/VQ maintenance teams that keep the aircraft flying, their systems finely tuned and result in amazing mission completion rates of over 90 percent.

The close-working relationship continues in pre-flight preparation with the sharing of information and coordination between Intelligence and

Mission Commanders. Behind the scenes, the staff of Commander Task

Force 57 (Forward) provides daily support for the deployment, scheduling, tasking and maintenance requirements of the VQ-1 detachment. This hard work pays off in the air when EP-3E aircrews are able to coordinate their ISR efforts with the imagery capabilities of the P-3C to provide timely and accurate information to the war fighter.

The continued aerial accomplishments of EP-3E ARIES aircrews in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom build on a long tradition of excellence that can be traced back to two PBY-5A Catalina ìBlack Catsî modified for electronic reconnaissance during World War II. It is a tradition marked by remarkable flexibility and adaptability in meeting the mission to operate, maintain and support the Navy’s finest Combat Reconnaissance Crews and aircraft, fully responsive to the needs of the war fighter.