The Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 are preparing to set sail on the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 for Tailored Ship’s Training Availability TSTA).

They prepare for this new adventure after taking some much-deserved leave for the holiday season. Many of the Wizards have been deployed for the last three to four holiday seasons and have not been able to share them with family.

TSTA is the first combined-training event of the inter-deployment training cycle that will prepare the carrier and the air wing for their upcoming deployment.

As important as the month-long TSTA detachment is in preparation for deployment, of note is the fact that the Wizards have not set sail for an extended period of time since their last cruise in 1991. That’s because the Wizards have been an expeditionary squadron deploying to land bases around the world.

Most recently they completed multiple deployments to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

For many of the aircrew and maintainers, TSTA will be their first experience aboard a carrier other than the few days spent aboard during carrier qualifications.

Despite the long reprieve, the Wizards have been eagerly working together to acquire their “sea legs” and welcome the return to carrier aviation.

“I am sure that we will be able to excel at the boat,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (AW) Kevin Johnson, when asked about his introduction to naval aviation at sea. “I am confident after seeing the high quality of people and all of the good work that we were able to do as an expeditionary squadron.”

“Personally I am excited to see what boat life is like and am definitely looking forward to seeing new places,” said Johnson, summing it up for most of the Wizards.

Getting ready for TSTA has been a challenge for the Wizard maintenance department. Upon return from Iraq this past June, the squadron accepted three EA-6B Prowlers from sister squadrons while passing on three of their four war-groomed aircraft to other deploying squadrons.

The Maintenance team has worked long and hard to ready the new jets since their arrival back at Whidbey Island.  Thanks to the hard work and determination of each and every person, the Wizards are making the most of this new experience.