Electronic Attack Squadron Returns from Middle East Combat

— from Mike Welding, Public Affairs Officer, Whidbey Naval Air Station —

Sailors from Electronic Attack Squadron 137 (VAQ-137) “Rooks” return home this weekend after successfully completing a nine-month combat deployment aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The Rooks set sail from Naval Station Norfolk on March 11, 2015 as part of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) for their around the world deployment. The squadron’s five EA-18G Growlers and aircrew will arrive followed by an airlift early next week before Thanksgiving of 110 squadron maintenance and support personnel.

As the only Airborne Electronic Attack squadron deployed to the Middle East, the Rooks conducted combat operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) from April 15-Oct. 2 2015. Over the course of six months, the Rooks maintained a high operational tempo flying upwards of four combat sorties per day over Iraq and Syria.

Upon completing combat operations on Oct.2, the squadron executed 291 combat sorties and 1,777 combat hours in direct support of OIR. Overall, the Rooks completed 991 sorties encompassing 2,670 flight hours.

In October 2015, the Rooks participated in Operation Malabar in the North Indian Ocean. During Operation Malabar, the squadron participated in multiple air defense exercises in conjunction with Indian and Japanese naval vessels.

Throughout the nine-month deployment, the Rook maintenance department was critical to mission success. Working in stressful heat index conditions, some days as high as 156˚F, Rook maintainers provided over 35,000 maintenance man hours translating to nearly 12 maintenance hours per flight hour.

Along the way, the Rooks enjoyed port calls to Portsmouth, Bahrain, Dubai, and Singapore. As a welcome home, the squadron enjoyed a special two-day stop to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii before completing the return trip home.

After being involved in training detachments, work ups, and deployment over the past two years the squadron is looking forward to some time at home with their families. The Rooks Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jeff Montgomery, wishes to express his extreme thanks and honor for being part of such an amazing adventure and for having the opportunity to lead so many incredible men and women.