VAQ-140 returns to NAS Whidbey Island

FromCarrierStrikeGroup10

NORFOLK Following an eight-and-ahalf-month deployment embarked aboard theNimitz-classaircraftcarrierUSSGeorge H.W. Bush (CVN-77) to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations the “Patriots” of ElectronicAttackSquadron(VAQ)140returnto itshomebaseofNavalAirStationWhidbey IslandinWashington,April22,2023

VAQ-140operatestheEA-18GGrowler,an electronic attack aircraft that specializes in suppressionofenemyairdefenses

Whiledeployed,VAQ-140participatedin multiple joint exercises with international allies These events include a NATO integrationeventinNovemberinSpangdahlem, Germany, vigilance activity Neptune Strike in Romania and Hungary, and Juniper Oak the largest force exercise with the Israeli military VAQ-140operatedwithCarrierAirWing (CVW) 7, completing carrier operations in the Alboran, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Adriatic, and Aegean Seas The Patriots also had the opportunity to visit several ports as ambassadorsoftheUnitedStates,includingSouda Bay, Crete; Naples, Italy; Split, Croatia; Marseilles,France;andAthens,Greece.

The Patriots began their 2022-2023 deployment under the command of Cmdr Alan “Carl” Carlson, but following an airborne change of command on March 22, 2023,theyarereturningunderthecommand of Cmdr. Erik “Squanch” Halvorson When asked about the Squadron’s performance throughoutthedeployment Halvorsonsaid “I’mextremelyproudoftheperformanceof my squadron while deployed to U.S. Sixth Fleet The Patriots rose to every challenge they faced and performed honorably with ourinternationalpartners.”

This was the first deployment for twelve of nineteen VAQ-140 aircrew and many Patriot Sailors First-time deployer Lt Robert “Niceman” Curry said he “will miss my mustache and comradery amongst the airwingbutambeyondexcitedtoreturnto WhidbeyIsland.”

Throughout the deployment Patriot aircrewloggedoverathousandflighthours and over 950 carrier arrested landings Lt Cmdr Anthony “Chazz” Nicolas’s most memorable moment on deployment was “definitely the Blanco Brown concert. I’m a huge fan and it was amazing to see him live whileunderway. ThePatriotsaregratefultohavereturned to their families and loved ones, and are gratefulforthesupportfromthemthroughout the deployment. They look forward to continuing to operate America’s Growlers inthePacificNorthwest George H.W. Bush is the flagship of CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush CVW-7

NAVALAIRSTATIONWHIDBEYISLAND Washington – Familymemberswelcome the“Patriots ofElectronicAttackSquadron (VAQ) 140 home following an eight-month deploymentwith CarrierStrike Group (CSG) 10 April 22 2023.The squadrons ofCarrierAirWing (CVW) 7 embarked aboard the George H.W.Bush are the“Sidewinders”ofStrike FighterSquadron (VFA) 86 the“JollyRogers ofVFA-103,the Knighthawks”of VFA-136 the“Pukin Dogs ofVFA-143,the Bluetails”ofAirborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 121,the“Patriots ofElectronicAttack Squadron (VAQ) 140 the“Nightdippers”ofHelicopterSea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5,and the“Grandmasters ofHelicopterMaritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46 The George H.W.Bush CSGwas deployed to the U.S.Naval Forces Europe area ofoperations,employed byU.S.Sixth Fleet to defend U.S.,allied and partnerinterests VAQ-140 returned to NASWhidbeyIsland following an eight-month deployment as part ofCarrier AirWing (CVW) 7 embarked on Nimitz-class aircraft carrierUSS George H.W.Bush (CVN 77.)The George H.W.Bush CarrierStrike Groupwas deployed to the U.S.Naval Forces Europe area ofoperations,employed byU.S.Sixth Fleet to defend U.S.,allied and partnerinterests (U.S.Navy photo byMass Communication Specialist 3rd ClassJacquelin Frost.)

Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 the Information Warfare Commander and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USSLeyteGulf(CG55)

The ships of DESRON-26 completing deployment with CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), andUSSDelbertD.Black(DDG119).

The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboardtheGeorgeH.W.Busharethe“Side- winders” of VFA-86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103 the“Knighthawks”ofVFA-136 the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Patriots” of Electronic AttackSquadron(VAQ)140,the“Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of HelicopterMaritimeStrikeSquadron(HSM)46