George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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CDR Michael Collins LCDR Robert Hotter LCDR Steven Kochman LCDR Angelo McCoy

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VAQ 140 PATRIOTS In times of crisis the President reportedly asks, “Where are the carriers? , while his commanders ask, “Where are the Prowlers?” Since establishment on October 1,1985 our leaders have asked, “Where are the Patriots? Shortly after their establishment, the Patriots were tasked with the test and evaluation of the High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) for use on the EA-6B aircraft. The success of this test and evaluation period led to the introduction of the missile into the EA-6B community, greatly enhancing the Prowler's Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) capability. The Patriots had the distinction of being the first fleet EA-6B squadron to deploy with HARM. VAQ-140 made its first deployment onboard theUSSJOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) in August 1986. In April 1987. the Patriots transferred to CVW-7 onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). deploying to the Mediterranean Sea from February 1988 to August 1988. The Patriots departed for their third Mediterranean Deployment on March 8,1990. Toward the end of this deployment IKE was ordered into the Red Sea in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The IKE and its Battle Group were the first Allied units to arrive on scene. After a short turnaround, the Patriots again began workups with CVW-7, highlighted by a successful HARM exercise launch, and the transition from the ICAP11 to new Block 86 aircraft. On 26 September 1991, the squadron deployed for it's fourth cruise, back to the Middle East via the Mediterranean Sea, in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. In September of 1992. the Patriots and CVW-7 transferred to USS George Washington (CVN 73). participating in the ship's shakedown cruise. Highlighting this two month deployment was the squadron's second successful exercise HARM shot. Workups for the Patriots’ fifth Mediterranean deployment began in June 1993. This year long evolution was marked by the squadrons' third successful exercise HARM shot. On May 20,1994 the Patriots and CVW-7 steamed with the Washington Battle Group for the English Channel to take part in the Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion. Following the ceremony and a Presidential visit, the Patriots and George Washington Battle Group took station in the Adriatic as part of Operations DENY FIGHT and SHARP GUARD. After returning to NAS Whidbey Island in November 1994, the squadron enjoyed some well-earned time at home with family and friends. During this period, the squadron transitioned to the Block 89 EA-6B aircraft. In preparation for their sixth deployment, the Patriots led the air wing in two successful HARM firing exercises and hosted a change of command where Cmdr.T. P. Phelan relieved Cmdr. R. K. Crumplar to become the eighth VAQ-140 Commanding Officer. The Patriots returned to sea aboardG Won the 26th of January for a six- month deployment to Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf. When the Battle Group entered the Mediterranean, the Patriots immediately became an integral part of Operation Decisive Endeavor, providing electronic jamming support for aircraft flying over the former Yugoslavia. When tensions rose in Bosnia-Herzegovina. VAQ-140 was tasked to leave a detachment behind at Aviano Air Base when the carrier left the Adriatic to ensure that there were no gaps in electronic combat support. While in the Arabian Gulf, the Patriots protected aircraft and shipping, transiting the waters off the coast of Iran and conducting training strikes deep into Iraq. During the command’s short history, the Patriots have been at sea or deployed over six of their ten years. During the 1996 deployment, the Patriots completed over 17,900 accident-free flight hours and more than 6,800 carrier arrested landings, with their skipper, Cmdr. T.P. Phelan recording his 1000th career arrested landing. In peace or war. the Patriots are prepared to serve wherever and whenever the nation calls.

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LCDR William Smith III LT James Boswell LT Brent Brcining LT Scott Duffy LT Lee Elrod LTJG Robert Fenrick LT Daniel Frost LT Eric Higgins LT Brian Kulley LT Michael Lciter LT Robert Lindlcy LT Christopher Middleton 642 VAQ 140