Prowler Patriots Welcome First USAF Aircrew

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  • Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. --  The Vagron 140 Patriots of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., Prowler squadron are welcoming their first U.S. Air Force aircrew member and former member of Seymour Johnson to their squadron.

Captain Alain "Pedro" Martinez will be the first weapons system officer to earn the title of an electronic counter measures officer in an EA-6B Prowler squadron that traditionally deploys to an aircraft carrier. Captain Martinez, who hails from San Diego, joins the Patriots as part of Carrier Air Wing 7, which deploys aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, CVN 69. Although numerous Air Force WSOs come to NAS Whidbey Island to become ECMOs in the Prowler, it is almost unheard of that they join carrier based Prowler squadrons.

The Prowler is an electronic warfare aircraft used to jam enemy radar systems and gathers intelligence from radio systems. Traditionally, the Airmen who come to Whidbey and try their hand at electronic attack are sent to what the Navy refers to as expeditionary squadrons. These are Prowler squadrons that are permanently land based.

The FRS began training Air Force WSOs and pilots on the Prowler systems, but currently, Airmen completing the Electronic Attack training command will be Prowler boat ECMOs. One of the challenges facing all new ECMOs joining their operational squadron is learning carrier procedures. In particular, the trials of properly gauging the eye when flying an approach in the front right seat and using good crew resource management to help pilots land on the flight deck.

"It is definitely a challenge and a little daunting, but I see it as a great experience that few Air Force aviators ever get a chance to partake in," Captain Martinez said. "I am looking forward to going to The Boat and doing work ups from the front right seat."

Additional key study points new aviators must learn before going to the carrier are the flow and vernacular of flight operations, and the types of approaches that are used based on weather and available sunlight.

Captain Martinez received his initial WSO training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., and after earning his wing, he reported to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in December 2005 for B-Course training in the F-15E Strike Eagle with 333rd Fighter Squadron. After his graduation, Captain Martinez was given orders to Lakenheath, England, to join the 494th Fighter Squadron.

While with the 494th FS, his assignments included a deployment to Israel where he trained the Israeli Air Force on air combat tactics and a deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, where he participated in combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After completing his tour with the 494th FS in July 2009, he accepted orders to NAS Whidbey Island for training in the EA-6B Prowler.

"It's really not too much different than being in the 494th FS," said Captain Martinez, who started Prowler training in December 2009. "It's always nice to be in a flying club."

The Patriots of VAQ-140 said they are happy to have Captain Martinez on board and look forward to sharing his knowledge of Air Force tactical aircraft and implementing it with EA in upcoming detachments to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and NAS Fallon, Nev. Additionally, the Patriots look forward to introducing Pedro into Naval aviation and familiarize him with Navy tactical air deployment and aircraft carrier operations.