The Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, currently deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, are once again the recipients of the Expeditionary Battle Efficiency (E) award.

The award is based on a year-long evaluation of a unit’s overall readiness to carry out its assigned wartime tasks. Competition for the award is extremely tight.

“I’m very proud of each and every one of you,” said Commodore Thomas Slais, Jr., during a recent visit to Al Asad. “This award is not given out lightly. Your efforts and achievements have been routinely noticed.”

This is VAQ-133’s sixth Battle “E” since its resurrection in 1996.

The Wizards earned the award by expertly passing a vigorous Aviation Maintenance Inspection, participating in two Large Force Exercises and a High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) shoot detachment – all during a compressed Fleet Readiness Training Program cycle between two combat deployments. 

They began the year completing a successful combat deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan where they flew combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and later switching operational theaters and deploying to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

All personnel attached to the command on or before Sep. 30, 2009 are authorized to wear the Battle “E” ribbon and respective device based on the number of previous awards.

Slais also took this opportunity to preside over an awards quarters highlighting individual achievements. He presented end- of-tour awards to Lt. Mark Logan, Lt. j.g. Amy Hough, Master Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman Todd Brokaw and Chief Avionics Electronics Technician Gary Martinez, Electronics Technician 2nd Class Brian Parr received an end-of-tour award from his previous command, Fleet Readiness Center Northwest.

The ceremony wrapped up with Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Donald Cameron and Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Jonathan Holloway, pinning Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist wings. 

Following the awards ceremony, the Wizards’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation team hosted a squadron picnic that included a cake displaying the famous Wizard Dead Head logo, which helped make the Iraqi desert seem more like home.