CHERRY POINT, N.C. - More than 200 Marines and Sailors with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Aug. 8 and 11, after a seven-month deployment to Qatar.
During the deployment, VMAQ-3 supported the United States Central Command's regional objectives with electronic attack support, said Master Sgt. Timothy W. Weikert, the avionics chief with VMAQ-3.
“The Marines performed exceptionally well and got the job done. The mission couldn’t have been successfully completed without them,” said Weikert.
The squadron's EA-6B Prowlers are used for attacking and jamming enemy communications. The four-seat tactical electronic attack aircraft has capabilities including suppressing enemy radar and surface to air missiles, high-speed anti-radiation missiles and collecting tactical electronic intelligence in a passive electronic support role.
“I feel good to be home after successfully completing our mission," said Weikert. “The Marines did everything from maintaining aircraft to fixing equipment. We were very successful and glad to be back.”
The Marines were greeted by a mass of proud friends and loved ones who had been awaiting their return in the squadrons' hangar.
“My main task out there was working on gear,” said Cpl. Chris Helberg, an aviation electrician with the squadron. “If a piece of equipment is broken the pilots can’t fly. It is my job to repair what is damaged so that the pilots can continue to complete their missions.”
The Marines of the squadron feel a sense of accomplishment after returning from a successful deployment, accoring Helberg.
“Words cannot describe how happy I am to be home now,” said Helberg. “We got the job done and brought everyone home safely."
Date Taken: | 08.08.2014 |
Date Posted: | 08.11.2014 15:04 |
Story ID: | 138992 |
Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Web Views: | 253 |
Downloads: | 1 |
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