In the cool dry dusk of April 23 just outside Wizard Headquarters, a low rumble with blooming dust trailed a couple of formidable Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and a Humvee from the Army’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT).

Members of the 256th IBCT, presently charged with a heavy share of convoy and logistics support for Operation Iraqi Freedom, visited the Wizards’ spaces to provide an enlightening brief to the aircrew and show their appreciation for the squadron’s continued support.

Air Force Capt. Matthew Sabraw facilitated the visit after he discovered the unit while investigating a motor pool where he recognized some of the electronic warfare gear. Sabraw cultivated a friendship with 1st Lt. William Crosby and 1st Lt. Kevin Keese of the 256th and as they exchanged stories they quickly realized the potential for shared learning.

“Anything you guys can do to decrease our threat vulnerability is greatly appreciated,” said Crosby.  Keese and Staff Sgt. Cory Guidry, also of the 256th IBCT, gave the Wizards aircrew an extremely informative brief with topics that covered current threats, convoys, countermeasures and tactics used by the Army to stay safe. The presentation also emphasized the role and impact the EA-6B Prowler has on threat neutralization during patrols and convoy runs.

After the presentation, the 256th IBCT treated the Wizards to tours of their MRAP vehicles and Humvees equipped with advanced electronic warfare suites that aid in defensive tactics. While aircrew explored the area, the IBCT answered questions and explained specialized features on the equipment.

During the process, the soldiers realized that the Airborne Electronic Attack mission would be impossible without the skillful and meticulous dedication of the VAQ-133 maintenance team and set up to meet with them a few days later.

When the 256th visited the Hardened Aircraft Shelter occupied by VAQ-133, they were met with the wide eyes and smiles of the maintainers who, in the words of Keese are saving and protecting American lives every day with the support they provide.

“We saw the pictures you keep in Maintenance Control of the people you’ve helped capture,” said Keese. “Hopefully we can influence the start of a new list giving faces to the people you are protecting.”

After meeting and shaking the hands of the men and women they protect, the Wizards were reminded of the significance of their mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom.