Squadron Leads First Iraqi Combat Flights From USS Theodore
Roosevelt
Personnel from Carrier Air Wing
(CVW) 8 Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 ,along with two of its
EA-6B Prowlers, departed USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sept. 24
while in the Mediterranean Sea, to enhance the mission capability
of Marine Electronic Attack Squadron (VMAQ) 1, based out of Al
Asad, Iraq.
VAQ-141 led the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group's
(TRCSG) first combat flights in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
(OIF).
"The previous carrier completed its mission here, so we went
ahead of the TR battle group so there wouldn't be any loss of
aerial support for the Marine Corps ground forces," said Cmdr. Paul
Mckeon, commanding officer, VAQ-141.
The Prowlers are used for their unique electronic warfare
capabilities to support coalition ground forces in Iraq. To help
facilitate this mission, the aircraft were outfitted with
additional equipment which enhanced their mission effectiveness.
VAQ-141 technicians were trained how to maintain and troubleshoot
this new equipment.
For some VAQ-141 personnel this was a unique experience in that
it was their first time performing their jobs in a combat zone, on
the ground.
"I never thought I would go into Iraq, so I was pretty pumped up
about this," said Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Joseph
Conrad, of Augusta, Maine. "It was definitely a unique experience
for me. I could be in the Navy for 20 years and probably never have
the opportunity to do something like this again."
Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Thomas Ortello of St.
Paul, Minn., said this experience will benefit him and other
Sailors he works with during his time in the Navy.
"It gave me a better perspective of my job and its importance,"
Ortello said. "Having been in that environment will help me to pass
along to other Sailors the importance of our work." Ortello
said.
The personnel from VAQ-141, 13 officers and 50 enlisted members
in all, returned to TR Oct. 6, where they joined the rest of the
squadron and CVW- 8. By mission's end, VAQ-141 had conducted 37
combat sorties with a total of 165 hours of flight time.
"It was a team effort," said Mckeon. "Because of the small size
of our detachment, everyone had to help in areas that were not
their normal expertise. We were all proud to be a part of OIF and
lead the charge for the TRCSG. Everyone pulled together to complete
the mission."
The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier
Strike Group is currently operating in the Persian Gulf in support
of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Maritime Security Operations, which
set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime
environment as well as complement the counterterrorism and security
efforts of regional nations.
Maritime Security Operations deny international terrorists use
of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport
personnel, weapons, or other material.
(ANN salutes Journalist 2nd Class Stephen Murphy, USS
Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs)