Sailors from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island participated in the 25th annual “National Night Out” event held
at Windjammer Park in downtown Oak Habor Aug. 5. More than 3,000 local area residents attended National Night
Out, an event which showcased several local government agencies including the police department, fire department,
Navy and other public services to help raise awareness on the importance of crime fighting and to help further
community relations.
The event kicked-off with an EA-6B Prowler fly-over by the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 “Gray Wolves” as
dozens of interactive and informational booths began lining Windjammer Park.
“National Night Out is a partnership between the Navy and local law enforcement to show the public that not only do
we work in this community, but we live in this great community as well,” said Cmdr. Matt Miller, NAS Whidbey Island
executive officer and guest speaker of the event’s festivities. “It is a great honor the Navy keeps getting invited to this
event each and every year. It shows how the Navy has truly been a positive impact on this community.”
According to Oak Harbor Police Chief Rick Wallace, the Navy’s presence at the event was much appreciated by the local
law enforcement.
“We certainly are thankful for the variety of response capabilities we have as a direct result of the Navy’s presence here
in Whidbey,” said Wallace. “I’m very thankful for the Navy’s help in showing the public what their local authorities have
to offer.”
Throughout the evening, patrons got a first hand look at an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 robotics
exhibition, a military working dogs exercise and NAS Search and Rescue (SAR) demonstration showcasing an MH-60S
Nighthawk’s ability of airlifting a downed victim.
“The Navy helicopter demonstration was absolutely the highlight of this year’s Night Out event for me,” said Terry Gerry,
Oak Harbor resident. “How fast they responded to the scene and airlifted a man out of there was really impressive.”
According to Lt. Cmdr. Werner Rauchenstein, Whidbey Island SAR crew chief, being a part of an event like this is more than
just being good neighbors.
“The military is all over the news about the events overseas, which is a good thing; however, the communities here at home
need to know that their tax-dollars are being put to good use ,” said Rauchenstein. “We demonstrated that today how we
can help them in a time of need.”