Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VQ-2) is currently making its first Expeditionary Detachment from Whidbey Island to the European Theater.

The U.S. European Command area of operations has previously gone without a significant VQ presence from Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, and VQ-2 is happy to add that feather to an already multi-plumed hat.

VQ-2 was born in the European Theater when it was established in Port Leyute, Morocco in 1955, then moved its homeport of operations to Rota, Spain in 1960. For 50 years the squadron deployed under the guidance of Sixth Fleet and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11 through direction from Commander, Task Force 67, currently based in Sigonella, Italy.

In July of 2005, VQ-2 withdrew operations from the European theater to make a homeport change to NAS Whidbey Island.

Due to the Navy’s emphasis on Effects-Based Tasking, combined with implementing a cost cutting business-like model, VQ-2 has transitioned from being permanently stationed in EUCOM to conducting expeditionary operations there.

“The VQ community’s transition to conducting global expeditionary operations is vital to our nation’s security,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Jones IV, current and founding detachment officer in charge.

Additionally, he has been pleased with how smoothly the whole process of reestablishing operations has gone, saying, “It’s almost as if we never left.”

The detachment is currently in its second week of establishing a mobile base of operations, and many have noted that the process has been extremely motivational.

“I think the reason why we have been accepted here so enthusiastically is because the theater leadership realizes that what we bring to the fight is absolutely necessary,” explained Mission Commander Lt. Ingrid Peterson.

Aircraft Commander Lt. Chris Kerns added, “CTF-67 has really been helpful. They have definitely gone out of their way and given 110 percent to make us feel at home after our brief hiatus from the AOR.”

Many others on the crew quickly echoed that sentiment. But a very serious mission underlies each crewmember’s excitement, and all are cognizant that they provide a new tool for the multilayered offensive against the terrorist enemy.

The Navy’s new policy of “intrusive leadership” also makes it absolutely imperative to establish easily recognizable measurements of success so that the top leadership is constantly aware of the tangible effects the EP-3 mission brings to the table.

“We’re not in the same Navy we were in just a few years ago,” said VQ-2 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Clayton Grindle. “We need to be where we can bring the most to the fight, and right now that requires us to conduct operations in three different theaters. We will continue to go wherever our contributions will be most effective.”