thedrifter
11-07-02, 06:57 AM
ABOARD THE USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67)(Nov. 1, 2002) -- For the first time in six years, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's EA-6B Prowlers practiced operations not only in the air and on land, but at sea.
Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 "Moondogs" and Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 129 "Vikings" participated in carrier qualifications on the USS John F. Kennedy the week of Oct. 28.
The Moondog pilots operated aboard a carrier for the first time since their initial Naval Aviation qualifications.
"We're part of a small contingency that loves the naval aspect," said Capt. Brent A. Looby, pilot, VMAQ-3. "Most Marines in our position don't get to see the carrier (after initial qualifications). Everyone is really excited."
The call for carrier re-qualifications came from a request from the Commandant of the Marine Corps to have a minimum of 10 fixed wing squadrons ready for carrier operations, said Looby.
"It was a function of the (VMAQ-3 commanding officer) to get the ball rolling," said Looby, a native of Austin, Texas. "This is to show that there is an interest and desire in the Prowler community. We have the know-how and the capability."
A total of six VMAQ-3 pilots are receiving their qualifications, as well as a number of electronic countermeasures officers. A detachment of 10 enlisted Moondogs served aboard the ship to augment maintenance staff from VAQ-129, Looby said.
The enlisted Marines ran limited operations on the ship's flight deck, primarily observing how naval personnel operate.
"It's awesome. I could definitely see how it is the most dangerous job in the world," said Sgt. Matthew S. Seeker, flight equipment noncommissioned officer, VMAQ-3. "Being up there is crazy. There are a lot of people running around and they all know exactly what they are doing."
Life aboard the ship can be a bit different than life on land, said Capt. Geoffrey J. McKeel, VMAQ-3 pilot. Smaller living quarters and an adjustment to Navy lifestyle can mean big changes.
"It takes a little getting used to, but it's not bad," said McKeel, native of Portland, Ore. "It's a particularly different lifestyle that we as Marine Prowler aviators haven't been exposed to that much, if at all."
Despite the possible changes in lifestyle, many Marines are ready for carrier operations, Looby said.
"The commandant has committed 10 Marine squadrons to (carrier operations),"
said Looby. "This is our way of saying, 'Hey, we can be one of those 10.'"
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200211683046/$file/Prowler-on-Cat-partial-Silh.jpg
A Moondog prowler sits ready for launch aboad the USS John F. Kennedy. Photo by: Lance Cpl. C. Edmond Flurry
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200211683329/$file/Kennedy-From-ProwlerGOODLOW.jpg
Caption:
The USS John F. Kennedy as viewed from the cockpit of an EA-6B Prowler
Photo by: Capt. Brent A. Looby
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200211683649/$file/Prowler-Landing-Wide-AngleP.jpg
An EA-6B Prowler prepares to land aboard the USS John F. Kennedy.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. C. Edmond Flurry
Sempers,
Roger
Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 "Moondogs" and Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 129 "Vikings" participated in carrier qualifications on the USS John F. Kennedy the week of Oct. 28.
The Moondog pilots operated aboard a carrier for the first time since their initial Naval Aviation qualifications.
"We're part of a small contingency that loves the naval aspect," said Capt. Brent A. Looby, pilot, VMAQ-3. "Most Marines in our position don't get to see the carrier (after initial qualifications). Everyone is really excited."
The call for carrier re-qualifications came from a request from the Commandant of the Marine Corps to have a minimum of 10 fixed wing squadrons ready for carrier operations, said Looby.
"It was a function of the (VMAQ-3 commanding officer) to get the ball rolling," said Looby, a native of Austin, Texas. "This is to show that there is an interest and desire in the Prowler community. We have the know-how and the capability."
A total of six VMAQ-3 pilots are receiving their qualifications, as well as a number of electronic countermeasures officers. A detachment of 10 enlisted Moondogs served aboard the ship to augment maintenance staff from VAQ-129, Looby said.
The enlisted Marines ran limited operations on the ship's flight deck, primarily observing how naval personnel operate.
"It's awesome. I could definitely see how it is the most dangerous job in the world," said Sgt. Matthew S. Seeker, flight equipment noncommissioned officer, VMAQ-3. "Being up there is crazy. There are a lot of people running around and they all know exactly what they are doing."
Life aboard the ship can be a bit different than life on land, said Capt. Geoffrey J. McKeel, VMAQ-3 pilot. Smaller living quarters and an adjustment to Navy lifestyle can mean big changes.
"It takes a little getting used to, but it's not bad," said McKeel, native of Portland, Ore. "It's a particularly different lifestyle that we as Marine Prowler aviators haven't been exposed to that much, if at all."
Despite the possible changes in lifestyle, many Marines are ready for carrier operations, Looby said.
"The commandant has committed 10 Marine squadrons to (carrier operations),"
said Looby. "This is our way of saying, 'Hey, we can be one of those 10.'"
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200211683046/$file/Prowler-on-Cat-partial-Silh.jpg
A Moondog prowler sits ready for launch aboad the USS John F. Kennedy. Photo by: Lance Cpl. C. Edmond Flurry
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200211683329/$file/Kennedy-From-ProwlerGOODLOW.jpg
Caption:
The USS John F. Kennedy as viewed from the cockpit of an EA-6B Prowler
Photo by: Capt. Brent A. Looby
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200211683649/$file/Prowler-Landing-Wide-AngleP.jpg
An EA-6B Prowler prepares to land aboard the USS John F. Kennedy.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. C. Edmond Flurry
Sempers,
Roger