Jam On, Devil Dogs.
Posted on 07/22/2004 1:39:21 PM PDT by A.A. Cunningham
Death Jesters of VMAQ-2 Deploy
Submitted by: MCAS Cherry Point
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Cullen Tiernan
Story Identification #: 2004722105742
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C.(July 18, 2004) -- Pilots from Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron VMAQ-2 deployed July 18 to join the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
Marines and family members gathered together to say good-bye and watch the Death Jester pilots board EA-6B Prowlers and soar into the morning sun to help secure freedom for the Iraqi people.
"The mission is to provide force protection for the Marines on the ground. VMAQ-2's goal is to provide as much support for those Marines as we can," said Capt. Roderick D. Capili, the unit information officer at VMAQ-2.
All of the job tasking is set for VMAQ-2. "We have been preparing for this every since we got back from our first deployment to Iraq, and we plan on executing several types of missions with different emphasis on Prowler capabilities," said Capili.
Kelly E., wife of pilot Capt. Christopher E., said she will miss everything about her husband and best friend. “Deployments are hard, but my family is determined to make things work..”
“My husband has been preparing to face combat for over 14 years. He’s a Marine. I know he’s in one of the best squadrons and in a safe aircraft,” said Kelly.
Capili is optimistic about VMAQ-2’S second tour of duty in Iraq. "It's a good mix of Marines we have at VMAQ-2. We are combining the experience of many Marines throughout VMAQ-2, with green Marines who want some ribbons on their chests.”
(As requested by VMAQ-2, the last names of pilots and their families will be withheld for security purposes.)
Jam On, Devil Dogs.
I remember VMAQ-2 Det X-Ray, 1990-91 (they were in the next hangar at Iwakuni).
They called themselves "Det X-Tended" because they stayed in Japan twice as long due to the 1st Gulf War.
Cam Rahn Bay, 70-71
Bump!
Gid Bless them, may they come home safely.
Semper Fi my brothers and God Bless
Sorry-- God Bless them.
Can't tell from the article if the whole squadron is deploying, or just a detachment. Considering the scarcity of Jamming aircraft (the EA-6B is considered a joint asset) I would be surprised if the entire squadron is shipping out.
VMAQ-2 was split into three squadrons in July of 1992: VMAQ-1, 2 and 3. VMAQ-4 at Whidbey Island became an active duty squadron and relocated to Cherry Point. Thus, VMAQ-2 Det X, Y and Z no longer exist. Each squadron has five Prowlers. All of Q-2 is going.
I could have sqorn Q-2 had the Ace of Spades as their insignia?? Back in 1979??
That's one heck of a cool squadron call sign.
Semper Fi
What does a Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron do for a mission in Iraq?
Pre Tailhook.
Yep...
There's a pretty good book called 'Ironclaw' by Sherman Baldwin, who flew Navy Prowlers during the first Gulf War.
I remember now!
Thanks!
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