COMMANDER, ELECTRONIC ATTACK WING,
U.S. PACIFIC FLEET (COMVAQWINGPAC) (360) 257-1303
COMVAQWINGPAC and staff provide combat- ready Electronic Attack squadrons to support the Commander, Naval Air Forces (COMNAVAIRFOR) and combatant commander tasking worldwide. They also provide electronic warfare tactical and technical development leadership and expertise. As Type Wing Commander of all Navy EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler fleet squadrons and Operational Commander of three expeditionary squadrons, the Commander and staff are engaged in a wide variety of activities ranging from maintenance, material and operational readiness support to everyday administrative functions.
The Wing Commander also works closely with NAS Whidbey Island and Outlying Landing Field, Coupeville within the Naval Region Northwest area.
Electronic Attack Squadrons (VAQ)NAS Whidbey Island is home to the majority of the Navy's VAQ squadrons flying the Northrop-Grumman EA-6B Prowler and the Boeing EA-18G Growler, both are considered all-weather, electronic attack aircraft with the primary role of suppressing enemy electronic capabilities through tactical jamming and the delivery of High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles. There are 12 operational Navy electronic attack squadrons at Whidbey and one squadron, VAQ-136, permanently forward deployed to the Western Pacific on board USS George Washington (CVN 73), home ported in Japan. Each squadron typically has four aircraft assigned and averages 28 officers and 160 enlisted personnel. VAQ squadrons deploy in support of both East and West Coast air wings and aircraft carriers as well as to various land-based joint facilities. Squadrons and their nicknames are:
• VAQ-130 Zappers
• VAQ-131 Lancers
• VAQ-132 Scorpions
• VAQ-133 Wizards
• VAQ-134 Garudas
• VAQ-135 Black Ravens
• VAQ-136 Gauntlets
• VAQ-137 Rooks
• VAQ-138 Yellow Jackets
• VAQ-139 Cougars
• VAQ-140 Patriots
• VAQ-141 Shadowhawks
• VAQ-142 Gray Wolves
Fleet squadrons are supported by the Vikings of VAQ-129, the Fleet Replacement Squadron, responsible for the training of EA-6B and EA-18G pilots and electronic countermeasures officers. U.S. Air Force personnel are also assigned to Navy Expeditionary Squadrons VAQ-133, VAQ-134 and VAQ-142. Although they are not assigned to carrier air wings, they deploy in support of joint forces from overseas land bases. VAQ-129 operates up to 14 EA-6B and EA-18G aircraft and has approximately 65 staff officers, 350 staff enlisted personnel and 100 student officers.
ELECTRONIC ATTACK WEAPONS SCHOOL(360) 257-3600
The Electronic Attack Weapons School (EAWS) provides comprehensive, formal training to EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler aircrew and extensive weapons-related training to EA-6B and EA-18G ordnance and maintenance personnel. The school acts as the central repository for all EA-6B and EA-18G tactical matters. The EAWS staff, composed of approximately 40 officers, enlisted personnel and civilians is responsible for providing a graduate level curriculum that prepares EA-6B and EA-18G squadrons for deployment around the world. Flight-side training support is continually provided to squadrons, locally or deployed.
EAWS is the community manager for the EA-6B and EA-18G Weapons and Tactics Program used in the training of Prowler and Growler aircrew. EAWS also conducts a semiannual 11-week Prowler Tactics Instructor Course to qualify new Prowler Tactics Instructors for up-to-date fleet support.
In addition, EAWS conducts a three-week Advanced Readiness Program for squadrons who are just beginning the pre-deployment training cycle. The Weapons School also publishes the quarterly Electronic Attack News, a professional journal that provides emerging tactical information relevant to the Prowler, Growler and Electronic Warfare communities.
EAWS Intelligence Specialists and Cryptologic Technicians provide tailored support to the EA-6B and EA-18G communities by way of academic courses, regular theater briefings and daily intelligence highlights derived from various sources around the world. These updates ensure the entire Electronic Attack community is kept informed as to exactly what type threats will be encountered on their respective deployments.
EAWS Aviation Ordnancemen and Electronic Technicians instruct fleet maintenance personnel in weapons-related courses annually for over 600 students. The combined EAWS staff also conducts Maintenance Controller Ordnance Familiarization, Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspections, and Technical Assist Visits designed to standardize and certify aircraft handling procedures.
COMMANDER,PATROL & RECONNAISSANCE WING 10(360) 257-6701
Maritime patrol aviation was a strong presence in the region from the 1940s to the 1960s, when the last of the P-2V amphibious patrol aircraft left from the Seaplane Base.
Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, located in Hangar Six and Hangar Seven, moved here from Moffett Field, Calif., in December 1994 to bring their presence back to the region. They maintain operational and administrative control of all active duty and reserve P-3 Orion Maritime Patrol Aviation squadrons and the EP-3 Fleet Air Reconnaissance squadrons stationed here. The Wing is also responsible for the training, maintenance and administrative support of its assigned VP and VQ squadrons of more than 2,000 personnel. Its Training Department includes a Weapons Training Unit with both VP and VQ Weapons Training Instructors.
Wing 10 provides operational support and communication to its squadrons through a Tactical Support Center that contains the most advanced systems in the Pacific Fleet, providing mission planning, briefing and analysis tools for combat aircrews, and an extensive communications suite.
An Operational Flight Trainer provides real world scenarios for aircrew coordination. Additionally, Wing 10 provides several advanced simulators to train both VP and VQ aircrews as they prepare for deployment around the world.
Maritime Patrol Squadrons (VP)These squadrons are stationed here:
• VP-1 Screaming Eagles
• VP-40 Fighting Marlins
• VP-46 Grey Knights
• VP-69 Totems Each squadron deploys to sites located in the Western Pacific, Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. They generally spend 18 months at home between deployments in a demanding Inter-Deployment Training Cycle. During these periods, they have several detachments at sites throughout the Eastern Pacific.
The P-3C Update III aircraft is a multi-mission platform that can operate either alone or in support of many different customers, including carrier battle groups, amphibious readiness groups, surface action groups and special mission tasking. Its missions include undersea warfare, anti-surface warfare, mining, reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue and counter-drug operations.
Many P-3 aircraft have received extensive mission equipment upgrades under the "Aircraft Improvement Program" (AIP). AIP P-3s have greatly improved capabilities and have played major roles in U.S. combat successes in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq.
All P-3s can carry a wide range of weapons including air-to-surface missiles and torpedoes. Operating these systems is an 11-person combat aircrew including both officers and enlisted personnel who train and fly as a unit.
VP-69 was commissioned a Reserve Force Squadron flying the SP-2H Neptune in November 1970 at Naval Air Station Sand Point, Seattle.
The squadron maintains readiness in anticipation of rapid deployment and provides contributory support to the fleet. Aircrews train by maintaining proficiency in antisubmarine warfare operations, surface surveillance, battle group coordinated operations, intelligence collection, counter- narcotics and mine warfare.
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons (VQ)These squadrons are stationed here:
• VQ-1 World Watchers
• VQ-2 Rangers
VQ operations at NAS Whidbey Island began with the arrival of VQ-1 in July 1994 when the squadron conducted a homeport change from NAS Agana, Guam. A little over 10 years later, in September 2005, VQ-2 left Naval Station Rota, Spain and joined its sister squadron in the Pacific Northwest.
Both VQ-1 and VQ-2 fly the EP-3E Aries Sensor Station Improvement Program (SSIP) and EP-3E Aries Joint Common Configuration (JCC) aircraft, both of which are a modification of the venerable P-3 Orion airframe. Both squadrons use this aircraft to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Missions worldwide in fulfillment of Fleet, Joint, Combined and National Commanders' Tasking. VQ aircraft and aircrew provide Carrier Strike Group Commanders and operational field commanders with a real-time assessment of the tactical posture of unfriendly military forces.
The Combat Reconnaissance Crews of VQ-1 and VQ-2 collect, analyze and exploit Signals Intelligence and also disseminate any threat warnings directly to U.S. Forces afloat and in the field. This real-time transmission of critical intelligence to National and Theater commanders often helps to shape tactical and strategic decisions. By effectively conducting these missions, the VQ squadrons, along with Navy Information Operations Command, have played and will continue to play an integral role in not only the Global War on Terror, but also in Combat Action Crisis Operations, Carrier Strike Group Support, and Peacetime Intelligence Collection Operations worldwide. Since their commissioning back in the 1950s, both squadrons have collected intelligence on areas and units of naval and national interest worldwide.
TACTICAL SUPPORT COMMUNICATION DETACHMENT (360) 257-2176
This detachment provides Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 (CPRW-10) and designated Patrol Squadrons with tactical and strategic communications support throughout the Northwestern United States and in the Eastern Pacific Region.
AVIATION SURVIVAL TRAINING CENTER (ASTC)
WHIDBEY ISLAND(360) 257-2304
ASTC Whidbey Island is a Force Enabler providing initial and refresher aviation survival training in order to sustain the operational readiness and combat effectiveness of Naval and Marine Corps Forces, other U.S. Armed Forces and allies, the Department of Homeland Security and selected civilians belonging to various organizations.
ASTC Whidbey Island does this in support of the strategic goals of the Chief of Naval Operations, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, and the Naval Operational Medicine Institute. The ASTC is an outlying detachment of the Naval Survival Training Institute headquartered at NAS Pensacola, Fla., and is comprised of both active duty and government service personnel with the intent and focus to provide quality, relevant survival training to the joint war fighter.
Aircrew and selected individuals receive training in aviation physiology, sensory physiology, human performance, acceleration, low-pressure chamber operations, oxygen breathing equipment, aircrew personal survival/protective equipment and emergency egress. The ASTC also provides NATOPS approved water survival curriculum which encompasses classroom lectures, extended sea survival techniques, survival swimming, over-water parachuting, underwater egress, life raft organization, helicopter rescue and use of survival items. The ASTC mission is to maximize performance and survivability of the war fighter. This facility is located in Buildings 2758 and 2837 across from Naval Hospital Oak Harbor.
CENTER FOR NAVAL AVIATION TECHNICAL TRAINING UNIT,
WHIDBEY ISLAND(360) 257-2733
Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) is the core site for Navy and Marine Corps EA-6B Prowler, Navy EP-3E, Pacific Fleet P-3 Orion and EA-18 Growler aircraft maintenance training, firefighting, air launched weapons training, Aviation Electronic Warfare School (AVEWS), Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Division and EP-3E VQ pipeline training for local squadrons and aircraft carrier personnel and leadership development of all Airmen, Petty Officers, Chief Petty Officers and Officers in this region.
CNATTU is comprised of 140 instructors and staff members who support the training of over 5,000 enlisted annually, covering all facets of schools for EA-6B, EP-3E, P-3C and EA-18G aircraft maintenance, maintenance management, firefighting, general and mission specific avionics, corrosion control and other technical skills for Organizational (squadron) and Intermediate (Fleet Readiness Center/Marine Aviation Logistics Support) maintenance units.
Graduates leave with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to continue their careers in naval aviation by maintaining aircraft systems, assembling and handling aviation ordnance and leading Sailors in the operating forces of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
DEFENSE REUTILIZATION & MARKETING RECEIVING REPRESENTATIVE
(360) 257-6745
The NAS Whidbey Island DRMO Receiving Representative is responsible for receiving surplus assets from military activities. These assets include, but are not limited to, desks, chairs, aircraft parts, tools, beds, all types of furniture, office equipment, computer equipment, tires and scrap metal.
The receiving representative is located in Building 369, Supply Warehouse, at door 3. Appointments are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays; the representative is available 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to set up appointments for turning in materials, requests for training or more information.
EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL (EOD) DETACHMENT NORTHWEST(360) 257-4468
Located on the Seaplane Base, EOD Detachment Northwest is an operational shore detachment that responds to emergencies throughout Commander, Navy Region Northwest's area of responsibility. They are trained and equipped to render safe all types of explosive hazards to include conventional, chemical, biological, and nuclear ordnance, Improvised Explosive Devices and Weapons of Mass Destruction; neutralizing hazards to personnel and property on land and underwater.
The detachment provides support to other DoD and civilian law enforcement agencies; as well as the United States Secret Service for protection of the President, Vice President, foreign Heads of State and designated VIPs. EOD Detachment Northwest is operationally under the control of Commander, Navy Region Northwest.
FLEET LOGISTICS SUPPORT SQUADRON 61 (360) 257-6595
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 61 (VR-61) is one of four Navy Reserve C-9B squadrons. The "Islander" team is comprised of Full Time Support and Selected Reserve personnel who maintain and operate four C-9B aircraft providing worldwide, around-the-clock transport of passengers, and cargo in support of all branches of the Armed Forces.
VR-61 is under the operational control of Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing and is scheduled by the Joint Operational Support Airlift Center and the Naval Air Logistics Office.
FLEET READINESS CENTER NORTHWEST (FRC NW)(360) 257-1571
Fleet Readiness Center Northwest, previously known as Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD), was established in 1959 and developed into the premier Intermediate and Depot Maintenance Facility in the Pacific Fleet. Over 1,100 Sailors, Marines, civilian, contractor and depot maintenance level personnel at FRC NW provide aviation maintenance and logistics support to 13 EA-6B squadrons, six P-3/EP-3 squadrons, 12 aircraft carriers, one C-9 squadron, the station Search and Rescue component and various Northwest Region activities.
FRC NW schedules over 120,000 maintenance actions each year in support of NAS Whidbey Island-based aircraft. Roughly 40,000 aeronautical components are inducted, of which 34,000 are repaired and returned to service. There are 92 work centers that log over 1,000,000 man-hours of aviation maintenance annually. FRC NW supports deployed operations afloat and overseas through three sea duty components.
Sea Operational Detachment (SEAOPDET) provides afloat maintenance support, repairing avionics, airframes, power plants and aviation life support systems for embarked EA-6B squadrons on board 11 aircraft carriers in the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets. P-3 Operational Detachment (P-3 OPDET) provides similar maintenance support for forward-deployed P-3C squadrons at overseas locations. Expeditionary Logistics Unit (ELU) provides intermediate level maintenance and logistics support to forward-deployed expeditionary EA-6B Prowlers at overseas locations. FRC NW also manages the Support Equipment Repair Facility at Naval Station Everett in support of Pacific Northwest carriers.
MARINE AVIATION TRAINING SUPPORT
GROUP 53(360) 257-2782
Commissioned on Sept. 2, 1986, MATSG-53 Whidbey Island was activated and assumed duties as the senior Marine Corps command at NAS Whidbey Island.
MATSG-53 is the parent command for all Marines at NAS Whidbey Island who are assigned to VAQ-129, Fleet Readiness Center Northwest and Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit. MATSG-53's mission is to provide administrative and logistical support for assigned Marine Corps personnel and to perform such other tasks and functions as may be directed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. All Marines reporting for duty or training must report to the Commanding Officer, MATSG-53, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Building 108 on Ault Field. Marines reporting after hours should report to Building 385 on Ault Field to get their orders stamped. If this is not feasible due to inclement weather, call (360) 257-2782 and leave a message detailing the arrival time and date. For emergencies, contact the Group Duty Officer at (360) 914-7924.
NAVAL AIR TECHNICAL
DATA & ENGINEERING
SERVICES COMMAND
DETACHMENT NORTHWEST
(360) 257-2309 Representatives
At the start of World War II, the Navy realized the shortage of skilled technicians needed to operate and maintain complicated electronic equipment, severely crippling the country's fighting capabilities.
The Bureau of Aeronautics established a pool of highly trained specialists whose services would be available to requesting activities wherever and whenever needed. The Airborne Coordinating Group, operating out of the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., eventually evolved into the organization known as the Naval Aeronautical Engineering Service Unit (NAESU).
NAESU Detachment Whidbey Island was established in 1967 to provide technical support for all aircraft and equipment aboard the air station. For 30 years, they played a major role in support of the A-6, EA-6B and P-3 aircraft, operating locally or deployed aboard carriers and shore facilities throughout the world. On Oct. 1, 1998, NAESU combined with Naval Air Technical Services Facility (NATSF) to form the Naval Air Technical Data and Engineering Services Command, or NATEC.
Today, it has a significant force of personnel supporting EA-6B, EA-18G, P-3 and EP-3 aircraft. Over 40 civilian technical specialists provide training and assistance to 17 squadrons and Fleet Readiness Center Northwest in Airframes, Power Plants, Electrical, Avionics, Corrosion Control and Ground Support Equipment. These technical professionals are working to train the maintenance leaders of tomorrow and expand their knowledge in order to meet the demands of the future.
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)(360) 257-3359
Agency Main Line.......NCIS/13...... 257-3359
Fax...............................FAX/220...... 257-3620
NCIS Resident Agency Whidbey Island, located in Building 13 on the Seaplane Base, falls under the NCIS Field Office Northwest located in Silverdale, Wash. NCIS is a worldwide federal law enforcement agency that has primary investigative and counterintelligence jurisdiction within the Department of the Navy (DoN), including the U.S. Marine Corps, and maintains a presence in every state and country in which DoN assets are stationed, visit or operate.
NCISRA Whidbey Island covers Island, Skagit, San Juan and Whatcom counties, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. NCISFO Northwest also covers all of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, and is actively engaged on Joint Terrorism Task Forces and Joint Narcotics Tasks Forces throughout the area.
NCISRA Whidbey Island currently consists of nine Special Agents, with mission priorities being the Prevention of Terrorism, Protection of Technology, Research and Classified Programs, and Reduction of Crime impacting DoN. NCISRA Whidbey Island conducts investigations of felony level offenses such as murder, sexually based offenses, aggravated assault, theft of high value government property, identity theft, computer crimes, and narcotics trafficking and use committed by or against Navy and DoN civilians.
The NCIS fraud mission targets major procurement fraud and allegations of bribery, antitrust, conflict of interest, environmental crimes and cost mischarging, as well as government charge card fraud.
