Friday, July 15, 2011

What Exactly Does Michael Do?

Michael's job can be hard to explain, but we'll try! The last four years have been his first "sea tour," during which he flew the EA-6B Prowler, an Electronic Attack aircraft. For the next 30 months or so, he is on his first "shore tour." His job now is to analyze threats to naval air warfare and brief other aviators on those threats. Being on a "shore tour" means he won't be deployed during this time. (Unless something very unfortunate happens...)

There is an article in the L.A. Times that explains what Electronic Attack aircraft do, and focuses on their role in the Libyan conflict. (The article talks mostly about the "Growler" which is the aircraft that is slowly replacing the Prowler; they do the same job.)

Michael's old squadron, VAQ-140, is deployed again out of Whidbey...this is the 3rd time in 3 years for VAQ-140, which puts a big strain on both the service member and their family. While most of the folks Michael flew with have also moved on to other jobs, we still have some friends back there, and they are always in our thoughts!


Here is the L.A. Times Article...
EA-18 Growler: U.S. is using electronic warfare to attack in waves - Los Angeles Times