NAS Whidbey Island is home to one of the most important providers of indications and warnings for the United States military.

This capability is proudly maintained by the “World Watchers” of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (VQ-1). However, as a result of their year-round deployment cycle and demanding operational tempo, one rarely sees a “welcome home” sign displayed throughout the base or Oak Harbor community, but the sign does exist and is permanently displayed in front of their hangar.

This ever-present banner is a testament to the fact there are always at least two VQ-1 combat reconnaissance crews on deployment. They fly real-world operations around the globe 365 days a year.

There is a quiet and unseen flow of “World Watcher” crews leaving from and returning to base. The squadron’s contribution to the global war on terror is constant and unrelenting.

To understand the squadron’s commitment to this ongoing fight, you simply need to take a snapshot of one of its typical Combat Reconnaissance Crews (CRC).  Most recently, CRC-1 returned home on Jan. 3 from a nine-week detachment to the United States Central Command theatre of operations. Led by Mission Commander Lt. Conor Garry and Aircraft Commander Lt. Michael Baxter, CRC-1 flew an impressive 242.4 hours in support of theater commanders. This included 180.3 hours of combat flight in support of coalition forces in Iraq.

Due to outstanding maintenance support, CRC-1 attained a 100 percent mission completion rate for all 25 scheduled flights in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, they flew 12 missions in direct support of the Combined Maritime Forces Component Commander (CMFCC), providing indications and warnings to United States and coalition maritime forces in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.

Upgraded avionics, communication and mission equipment greatly increased the EP-3’s capabilities during several high profile operations over Iraq, including Phantom Fury. CRC-1 provided direct threat indications and warnings to ground and airborne forces engaged in conflict against insurgent forces.

Additionally, CRC-1 provided valuable fleet support and information on virtually every mission to the USS John F. Kennedy and USS Harry S.

Truman Carrier Strike Groups, as well as the USS Essex Expeditionary Strike Group.

This intense operations tempo could not have been sustained without a dedicated team of maintenance professionals. Lt. Garry summed up the all hands effort by saying, “The maintenance detachment led by ADCS Kenneth Stegall and AMC Rudy Monge did an amazing job getting our aircraft ready for critical tasking.  The operational tempo was insane, but due to their personnel’s around-the-clock efforts, my crew did not miss a single flight in support of coalition forces.  The pace those Sailors kept up was simply astonishing.”

Specifically, AD1 Francisco Alarcon was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his efforts, which included replacing five propellers, three propeller controls, one fuel pump and two auxiliary power units.

The Maintenance Department’s 24-hour-a-day routine was aided by the concerted efforts of several aircrew, such as AT2 Christina Illingworth, AMC Carlos Nunez, ATC Donald Cox and AE1 Gerry Earll. 

Their dedication to mission readiness allowed them to work seamlessly with maintenance personnel to ensure the aircraft’s systems were fully capable to support the troops on the ground.

A dedicated ground support team, lead by Ensign Jill Surette, provided outstanding briefs and debriefs to the crew before and after every flight. Their efforts directly contributed to the crew’s situational awareness and helped to ensure safe flight operations.

IT3 Aljandro Rada was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his efforts in this task.

The busy deployment of CRC-1 and their support detachment personnel is the norm, rather than the exception for the Sailors and Officers of VQ-1. Only the most dedicated personnel can continue to perform at this high operational tempo throughout the year.  Unlike other squadrons, VQ-1 personnel deploy 365 days a year. There are currently four crews deployed throughout the world fighting the global war on terror. In the course of a three-year tour at VQ-1, Sailors can easily expect to be deployed for over half that time. This schedule can be extremely demanding, but the challenge continues to be met by the outstanding professionals of VQ-1.

Concerning the amount of hours put in by VQ-1 Sailors, CTT2 Nakai, a new LABOP in Training, has this to say, “VQ-1 is a great place. Skipper Sullivan looks out for our welfare, and always expresses the rights words to keep us motivated. Ever since the day I became Observer Qualified, I have been working on other Personnel Qualification Standards to advance in my job. Although the command demands a lot of work hours from us (the VQ community), I feel more satisfied, knowing that I have put an honest effort for the command.”

The hardship of being gone during the holidays is reflected very well in AT2 Illingworth’s observations. “I have been in VQ-1 for almost four years and have never been home for a VQ-1 Christmas party,” he said. “I have only been home for Halloween a couple times and Fourth-of-July last year.  Maintaining a personal life is really hard because it always seems like you’re trying to make up for lost time ... especially when you’re leaving again in a month-and-a-half.”

VQ-1 Sailors fight on the front lines in the global war on terror.

Their vigilance and individual sacrifices save lives on the ground, while ensuring our national security. In today’s global environment, those front lines are in places on and off the mainstream headlines, but VQ-1 is there bringing support to the warfighter and nation with every mission flown.