The World Famous Rooks of VAQ-137

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

The Shuttle October 7, 2012 Issue“We are Legend”Magazine Edition

RooksThe World Famous

VAQ-137Of

understatement. During the Enterprise’s current deployment, the Rooks have flown 176 combat sorties consisting of 1,123 flight hours supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They also scored the Top Hook in the previous line period for receiving the highest landing grades. “In my 18 years and through the five different air wings I’ve been associated with, I’ve never seen a Prowler squadron win top hook,” said Cmdr. Trevor Estes, executive officer of (VAQ) 137. “I think it’s a testament to the air crew and ready room as a whole, the age of the aircraft we fly and the difficulty it is to bring an aircraft like that aboard. It’s a full team effort and thats what we’re all about.” Because some of the aircraft of the squadron are almost 40 years old, maintenance is a key ingredient of the Rook’s success. During the current deployment, the Rook’s crew has swapped out 16 engines and performed over 50,000 combined hours of maintenance. “I’m just amazed and appreciative on a daily basis the amount of heart and hard work that my Rook team has put into maintaining 40 year old aircraft,” said MacNicholl. “Through the execution of this deployment they have overcome a number of challenges between engine changes, landing gear issues and the inspection cycle required of a 40 year old aircraft. It’s been hard work and these sailors have really met the challenge head on and overcome it. It’s the toughest maintenance department I have ever been associated with.” Just as a ship is a piece of lifeless metal before its Sailors breath life into its sails, an aircraft is nothing more than a piece of

Sunday, October 7, 2012 The Shuttle

Rooks

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Randy J. Savarese

VAQ 137:The Last to Prowl the Skies

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – “In my 19 years of being around and flying Prowlers these Sailors put their heart and soul into the mission on a daily basis because they understand how important our mission is in theater and on the ground,” said Cmdr. Michael MacNicholl, commanding officer of the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137. Supporting the mission on the ground is what the Rooks have done with excellence since they were commissioned on December 14, 1973, and have served with distinction ever since, earning four Navy Unit Commendations, three Meritorious Unit Commendations, six Battle “E”s, three Navy Expeditionary Medals, two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, one Humanitarian Service Medal and four Safety “S” awards. With a history this long and distinguished it’s only fitting this Rooks’ tale will symbolically end when the squadron transitions to the EA-18G Growler after the Prowlers’ last cruise aboard the legendary aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) during her 25th and final deployment. “It’s going to be a very exciting time for us,” said Lt. j.g. Corey Jones. “It’s a little bittersweet getting rid of the Prowler, but all the new capabilities we are going to have is really a game changer for the airborne electronic attack community.” Although the Rooks will miss the Prowler, many are also looking forward to the transition. “It’s pretty exciting moving to the Growlers,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Chalsondony Darby. “It’s a part of our history that’s going to be gone, but we’re all excited about the new venture we’re about to take on.” The Rooks will take on this new venture from Whidbey Island, Wash., where they call home. It is also home to the native lore the Rook mascot was derived from. “It comes from the Native American traditions of the Pacific North West,” said Jones. “It’s a little bit of a tricky bird and fits well with us and airborne electronic attack.” VAQ-137’s primary mission is to conduct Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) through the use of electronic countermeasure. What this literal definition lacks is the real impact the Rooks have on ground fighting forces who routinely request them before the start of any operation. “It’s definitely a very important role,” said Jones. “We get a lot of requests for our support in country, a lot of the ground commanders want the airborne electronic attack to be there during their operations. We’re up there providing support for the guys on the ground and we get a lot of good feedback.” To say that the Rooks impressive statistics is undoubtedly an

Sailors perform a seven-day inspection on an EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137. (Photo by MC3 Jared King)

ROOKS continued on page 6


World News

ROOKS continued on page 6

from home, request your absentee ballot immediately, and mail it back in time so that your vote will count. And if you need help, visit your Installation Voter Assistance Office, or see your unit’s voting assistance officer, or visit the website www.fvap.gov. Every day, your efforts make this country safer and its people more secure. You have more than earned the right to vote. So please participate in the democratic process that sustains the blessings of liberty that we work so hard to protect. This Election Day I encourage you and your family to play an important part in our great democracy. Your vote will help determine the future of our nation, and the future of a government of, by, and for all people.”

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense Leon M. Panetta released the following message Friday. “On November 6th, Americans will have the opportunity to exercise the most important responsibility we have in a democracy - the right to vote. Voters will choose from candidates at every level - from the Commander-in-Chief, to legislative representatives, to county commissioners, city council members and others. I don’t have to tell you that your vote can determine the future. It really counts. And that’s why it’s so important to participate in this process - no matter where you are in the world, no matter who you plan to vote for. Please exercise the very privilege that you’re willing to fight and die for in order to protect. But there isn’t much time. If you’re overseas or away

SECDEF Releases Voting Guidance By Department of Defense Public Affairs

there be a “suspension” of the medium-enriched uranium production at the deep underground site called Fordow. Obama administration officials say the deal is intended to generate headlines, but would not guarantee that Iran cannot produce a weapon. “The way they have structured it, you can move the fuel around, and it stays inside the country,” a senior Obama administration official said. “They could restart the program in a nanosecond. They don’t have to answer any questions from the inspectors about evidence that they conducted research on nuclear weapons technology, but nonetheless would insist on a statement from the agency that all issues have been resolved. “Yet we’re supposed to lift sanctions that would take years to reimpose, if we could get countries to agree,” the administration official said. The United States has not put a formal offer on the table. But the outline of a way to a solution they described to Iranian officials before the summer is almost the mirror image of the Iranian nine-step proposal. Under the American vesion, Iran would halt all production of its 20 percent enriched uranium immediately, ship the existing stockpile out of the country and close the Fordow plant. That would defuse the threat of an Iranian “breakout” to produce a weapon, leaving the Iranians with a stockpile of low-enriched uranium that would require far more lengthy processing to weaponize. Then the United States and its allies would offer some cooperation on civilian nuclear projects, and would agree not to add new sanctions at the United Nations Security Council. But the sanctions squeezing the Iranian economy would remain in place until a final deal is reached.

WASHINGTON - With harsh economic sanctions contributing to the first major protests in Iran in three years, Iranian officials have begun to describe what they call a “nine-step plan” to defuse the nuclear crisis with the West by gradually suspending the production of the uranium that would be easiest for them to convert into a nuclear weapon. But the plan requires so many concessions by the West, starting with the dismantling of all the sanctions that are blocking oil sales and setting off the collapse of the Iranian currency, that American officials have dismissed it as unworkable. Nonetheless, Iranian officials used their visit to the United Nations last week to attempt to drum up support, indicating that the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is finally feeling the pressure. “Within the intelligence community, I think it’s fair to say that there is split opinion about whether the upper level of the regime is getting seriously worried,” one senior intelligence official said when asked why the Iranians appeared to be backing away from their earlier stand that nothing would stop them from producing more medium-enriched uranium, which can be turned into bomb fuel in a matter of months. “He’s erratic, and we’ve seen him walk up to the edge of deals before and walk away,” the official said, referring to Ayatollah Khamenei. The Iranian plan is based on a proposal made to European officials in July. It essentially calls for a step-by-step dismantling of the sanctions while the Iranians end work at one of two sites where they are enriching what is known as “20 percent uranium.” Only when the Iranians reach step No. 9 - after all the sanctions are gone and badly depressed oil revenues have begun to flow again - would

Iran Offers Plan, Dismissed By U.S., On Nuclear CrisisBy David E. Sanger, NEW YORK TIMES


Rooks Aboard Big E

Sailors launch an EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks Electronic Atack Squadron (VAQ) 137. (Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler)

Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Anthony Conn, assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, inspects the engine tailpipe of an EA-6B Prowler. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Joseph Cockrum, assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, looks up the proper torque level for a panel to an EA-6B Prowler in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 flies past the super-structure of Entperprise. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 launches from catapult three. (Photo by MC3 Jared King)

An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, lands on the flight deck. (Photo by IT1 Stephen Wolff)


Rooks Aboard Big E

The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and bi-weekly in port by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Media Department, FPO AE 09543-2810. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Please direct all story ideas, questions and comments to MC1 (SW) Steve Smith at [email protected].

Public Affairs OfficerLt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler

Executive OfficerCapt. G. C. Huffman

Commanding OfficerCapt. William C. Hamilton, Jr.

EditorMC3 Brian G. Reynolds

The Shuttle

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Command Master Chief CMDCM (AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff

Sailors launch an EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks Electronic Atack Squadron (VAQ) 137. (Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler)

Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Joseph Cockrum, assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, looks up the proper torque level for a panel to an EA-6B Prowler in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 flies past the super-structure of Entperprise. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Bradley Barber, assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, guides the canopy of an EA-6B Prowler in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

A Sailor cleans the window of a EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Fighter Squadron (VAQ) 137. (Photo by MC3 Britney Epps)

An EA-6B Prowler undergoes regular maintenance in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese)

Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Colton Mullican, assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, tack welds the heat shield of an EA–6B Prowler. (Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese)


Stay FocusedCMC Urges Crewmembers to ‘Stay Focused’Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian G. Reynolds

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Ask any Sailor or Marine aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and they will tell you that it is a great feeling to know that, after almost seven months at sea, they are finally heading home. Thoughts of reuniting with family members are at the forefront of many crewmembers’ minds as the ship begins the final stretch of its 25th and final deployment. However, during this time of anticipation, crewmembers should be aware that they are especially vulnerable to complacency. During a time when home seems just over the horizon, it is especially important that the crew of the “Big E” remains vigilant and focused. “There is a definite air of excitement and anticipation,” said Command Master Chief Dwayne Huff, command master chief of Enterprise. “While this is natural, it is also something to be cautious of, as it can lead to Sailors being distracted and not staying focused on the mission. Although the end is in sight, we’re not home until the last lines are doubled up.” Though Enterprise is currently on its final transit home, crewmembers need to keep in mind where they actually are. There are many things that can still go wrong and it is up to “Big E’s” crew to remain focused and safe. “Complacency creates an environment where accidents can happen,” said Huff. “We are still on deployment and there are still a million moving parts to keeping this ship operational. We cannot afford to lose focus.” Enterprise is by no means finished with its current deployment. There are still several evolutions that will take place before Enterprise’s return to homeport. “The crew needs to realize that we still have a job to do.” said Huff. “Leadership needs to keep pressing on. We still have a lot to do and it has to be completed before we pull in.” According to Huff, there is still plenty of hard work to be done before the ship moors and crewmembers should remain on their toes. “We still have several major evolutions to complete before we begin our journey home,” said Huff. “Now is not the time to lose

focus. There are engineering and reactor qualifications and multiple UNREPs during our transit home that will require the attention and focus of all hands.” Considering the stellar performance the crew has demonstrated throughout the deployment, crewmembers may feel that it is acceptable to maintain a more relaxed attitude toward their jobs, now that the ship is on its final stretch. However, Huff believes that this is just the kind of dangerous behavior that can cause accidents. He believes that it is also the responsibility of leadership to help prevent such issues from arising. “Anytime Sailors lose sight of the mission at hand, bad things can happen,” said Huff. “The sea is very unforgiving – that is why we, as leadership, are focused on combating complacency.” Although the ship’s crew has had a stellar safety performance during the course of deployment, it is imperative that they remain poised to combat a complacent mindset. “The dangers of complacent behavior can include accidents and even loss of life,” said Huff. “When you are complacent, you are not paying attention to the task at hand. That is when things go wrong.”

CDMCM Dwayne Huff (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

metal that sits atop another piece of metal before its squadron places it in the skies. There are no Rooks without their crew. The squadron’s success has been built on the work of every Sailor fortunate enough to wear the Rook badge. “We’ve got a very strong squadron from the skipper all the way down and there has been a lot of support,” said Jones. “I can not say enough about the maintainers and the effort they put into keeping us mission ready.” With accomplishments like leading the entire EA-6B community in all operational comparisons during Operation

Southern Watch and being the first Prowler squadron to deploy with night vision goggles in 2001, it should go without saying the legacy of the Rooks will continue to be written with bold deeds and successful missions. The Rooks now add another achievement to their already impressive resume as they close out the final deployment of Enterprise. “It’s bittersweet leaving the Enterprise after the last cruise with the Prowler, but I know we’re all very excited for the future of the Rooks,” said Jones.

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Sailors of the Day

Lance Cpl. Richard A. Carver, from St. Louis, joined the Marine Corps two years ago to be a part of something bigger than himself and support his family. In his spare time, he enjoys handling weapons. In the future, he plans to advance in rank and earn a degree.

Lance Cpl.Richard A. Carver

EM3 Kyle Hollis, from Vancouver, Wash., joined the Navy three years ago to earn money for college. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym and watching football. In the future, he plans to earn a degree and receive all of his qualifications.

Electrician’s Mate 2nd ClassKyle Hollis

MM2 Edward Torres, from Pasadena, Calif., joined the Navy five years ago for educational benefits. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching sci-fi shows and playing video games. In the future, he plans to earn more qualifications, earn a degree and buy a house.

Machinist’s Mate 2nd ClassEdward Torres

AD3 Anthony Conn, from North East, Pa., joined the Navy four and a half years ago to provide for his family. In his spare time, he enjoys talking to his daughters, working on cars and drawing. In the future, he plans to advance in rank and become a pilot.

Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd ClassAnthony Conn

Sailors and Marine of the Day

The Shuttle Sunday, October 7, 2012The Shuttle

Big E Entertainment

ACROSS1. Something of value6. Friends10. Scrabble piece14. Bloodsucker15. Send forth16. Astringent17. A kind of macaw18. Prong19. Agreeable

20. Compensate22. Mountain pool23. A round handle24. Wealthy26. Early 20th-century art movement30. L31. Sweet potato32. Cain’s brother33. Encounter

35. Browned bread39. Any dramatic scene41. Private43. Daisylike bloom44. Anagram of “Meat”46. Exploded star47. Martini ingredient49. Louse-to-be50. Abound51. Scant54. Happy56. An indefinite period57. Rival63. Way out64. Roman robe65. Not tight66. In order to prevent67. Assist in crime68. 1000 kilograms69. As well70. Was a passenger71. Supernatural being

DOWN1. Winglike2. Arid3. Where two pieces meet4. Beige5. Express gratitude to6. Oil

7. Friendly8. Fluff9. Unbending10. Equivalent11. Homeric epic12. Ill-gotten gains13. Make improvements21. Colonic25. Horse feed26. Information27. Garments of goat hair28. Money owed29. A moderately quick tempo34. Excite pleasurably36. Found in some lotions37. Rescue38. Streetcar40. Twin sister of Ares42. Area of South Africa45. Betrothed48. Ambrosia51. Grave marker52. Picture element53. Awry55. Greek letter58. Vagabond59. Midday60. Chime61. Feudal worker62. Bobbin

The World Famous Rooks of VAQ-137

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