Final deployment for Prowler squadron
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sailors stand watch on the fantail of USS John C. Stennis while an EA-6B Prowler from VAQ-138 flies overhead. (Navy photo)
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 was scheduled to return home to Whidbey Island this week after the unit's final deployment aboard USS John C. Stennis before transitioning from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler.
At least two other operational Whidbey-based squadrons, VAQ-132 and VAQ-141, have begun the transition to the Growler. So has training squadron VAQ-129, which made the aircraft's first operational carrier landing earlier this year.
The support and maintenance crew from VAQ-138 is expected to disembark the Stennis today when the ship makes a stop at Naval Station Everett. Friends and family members will meet the Stennis in Everett for a Tiger Cruise to drop of the carrier's air wing in California before returning home to Bremerton.