Marine Prowlers provide umbrella of protection

Published Feb. 14, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams
ISAF Joint Command Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- When it comes to fighting the Taliban, U.S. Marines are mostly known for pushing the Taliban out of the southwest portion of Afghanistan. What seems to go virtually unknown is the umbrella of protection for strike aircraft and ground forces provided by Marines flying EA-6B Prowlers.

More than 200 Marines from the Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3, Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C. are here to jam electronic data links and communications whenever needed to assist coalition forces.

"Electronic attack is our mission," said U.S. Marine Maj. Bill Schutz, VMAQ-3 electronic counter measures officer. "We are here working for the (Combined Air Operations Center) and the 455th (Air Expeditionary Wing) helps us out with anything we need ... we have a great relationship with them."

The squadron deploys as a self-sufficient unit. They have their own administration, communication and medical personnel. They even have their own chaplain.

Chaplain assistant, U.S. Navy Petty Officer David Tyler, is serving his first deployment with the Marines. He said they provide counseling and spiritual service to the squadron and they work with the other chaplains on Bagram.

"It's a close group of guys," said the Atlanta native. "We meet up with the different shops. I help them out where I can ... even if I'm just handing them a wrench."

Flying and maintaining aircraft more than 30 years old can be quite a task. For one particular Marine serving his first deployment, it is a very rewarding experience.

"I'm learning a lot about the job," said Lance Cpl. Robert Starmer. "This is a great experience and these are good guys to work with. This is definitely something I'm going to remember for the rest of my life."

Starmer, who works on the Prowler's electronic counter measures, joined the Marines two years ago and didn't expect the base to be as big or built-up as it is. He said he was expecting field conditions and primitive living conditions.

As the only land-based Prowler squadron in the country with a relatively small fleet of aircraft assigned, the Marines take a tremendous amount of pride in their mission and their record reflects that pride. Schutz said the Prowlers have flown 334 sorties combining 1,368 flight hours since Jan. 26. He extends most of the credit to the aircraft maintainers who provided 7,468 direct maintenance man-hours in that time. VMAQ-3 recently surpassed 36,000 mishap-free hours and will continue flying missions over Afghanistan until thy redeploy in April.