The Wizards of VAQ-133 have finally begun what they have trained for many months: their first underway deployment in over 19 years.
Just 14 months ago the squadron was deployed to Al Asad, Iraq as an expeditionary unit.
Now they are a fully capable, carrier-proficient force, serving as an integral part of the Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) team.
Many challenges accompanied the transition back to carrier aviation, not just for the younger officers and sailors who had never operated on an aircraft carrier, but also for the more senior members who have had to relearn skills and practices that had not been asked of them for some time.
“It’s been a reality check for me,” commented Lt. Cmdr. Bill “Slow” Lehner, one of the more seasoned Electronic Countermeasures Officers in the squadron. “I pride myself on my ability to impart my knowledge on the junior officers, but I realized quickly after starting this transition that there were many things I had forgotten or that had changed since I last deployed on the boat. It was a tough pill to swallow, that I had to beef up my own skill set before I could help others hone theirs.”
Despite the demanding new work environment, the Wizards have maintained their already extremely high level of performance. VAQ-133 was just awarded the COMVAQWINGPAC semi-annual Safety “S” award, a huge accomplishment considering the transition.
The squadron credits its maintenance department, which is consistently recognized as one of the finest within the Department of Defense, as well as the watchful eyes of the Wizards’ safety team, Lt. Cmdr. Hunter “Bozo” Bankart and Lt. Cmdr. Troy “Puddy” Miller.
The squadron has also already seen two of its own recognized by the ship’s commanding officer, Capt. Ron Reis, as Sailor of the Week.
Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Airman Christopher Taylor, who keeps aircraft and flight crew records organized, and Information Systems Technician Third Class Matthew Ferrell, who works to keep the Air Wing’s network of computers running smoothly, both received mention over the 1MC, a public address system on the carrier, as well as a highly coveted Captain’s Coin presented by Capt. Reis.
Now, as VAQ-133 looks toward joining the war effort, with workups complete and readiness at its highest level, the goal becomes maintaining that tactical level of proficiency while managing the stresses that are inherent in any deployment; stresses such as boredom, complacency and home-sickness.
If the last 14 months are any indicator though, the Wizards will continue to see nothing but success through this deployment and beyond.
