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The Marines have landed

  • Published
  • By Marine Capt. Keith Hibbert
  • Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  In the Marine Corps tradition of deploying to "every clime and place," the Marine EA-6B Prowlers have left the cold mountains and austere valleys of Afghanistan for the dusty, dry heat of Southwest Asia.

The Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 (VMAQ-3) "Moondogs" arrived in Southwest Asia on Sept. 25, in order to relieve the VMAQ-2 "Death Jesters." VMAQ-2 transferred authority to the "Moondogs" on Oct. 1.

VMAQ-3 is an expeditionary squadron flying the EA-6B Prowler, a four-seat, twin-engine tactical electronic attack aircraft. VMAQ-3 has been positioned in order to provide electronic warfare support to coalition forces and the Marine Air Ground Task Forces. All four of the Marine Corps' Tactical Electronic Attack squadrons are based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

Airborne Electronic Attack is adaptable and flexible, which the Marines have proven through the execution of Electronic Warfare operations in Iraq and Afghanistan throughout the last decade. Originally built to support strike aircraft, it also provides direct support to forces on the ground.

Hard-charging Marines keep the seasoned Prowlers in the air, such as Marine Sgt. Thomas Johnson, a Powerline mechanic on his fourth deployment.

"They're old, but they get the job done," he stated.

The Marines have a proud tradition of being an expeditionary force-in-readiness. The MoonDogs plan to continue that tradition by maintaining an important capability in the region.

"The Marines are motivated and excited to be at our new deployment location supporting the Marines and coalition forces downrange," said Sgt. Maj. Timothy Henshaw, VMAQ-3 sergeant major.

Although Marine Prowlers have left Afghanistan, they continue to provide an important and tactically relevant capability here in Southwest Asia.