Marine Prowlers arrive at AUAB

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Jared Trimarchi | A Marine salutes the pilot of an EA-6B Prowler before take-off at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Feb. 18, 2014. The Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 (VMAQ-3) “Moondogs” fly Prowlers, which is a four-seat, twin-engine tactical electronic attack aircraft capable of attacking and jamming enemy radio, communications and radar operations. The Prowlers who were previously deployed to Afghanistan have been moved to AUAB and are currently being supported by more than 200 Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jared Trimarchi)  

AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR

02.21.2014

Story by Senior Airman Jared Trimarchi 

379th Air Expeditionary Wing

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- The Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 (VMAQ-3) "Moondogs" arrived at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, with their fixed wing electronic warfare EA-6B Prowlers, Feb. 17, 2014, to support the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

The EA-6B Prowler is a four-seat, twin-engine tactical electronic attack aircraft capable of attacking and jamming enemy radio, communications and radar operations.

The Prowlers who were previously deployed to Afghanistan have been moved to AUAB and are currently being supported by more than 200 Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

"We are excited to be back at Al Udeid Air Base and look forward to providing electronic attack for U.S. and coalition forces in the area," said Marine Capt. Keith Hibbert, a Moondog pilot who hails from Ithaca, N.Y. "Prowlers have been supporting ground troops during Operation Enduring Freedom for more than 10 years, and we look forward to continuing that support."

Though the Prowlers will continue to fly missions to Afghanistan, their main mission is to be ready to support any contingencies or operations which may need electronic attack in the CENTCOM AOR.

Marine Staff Sgt. Nathan Werner, a Moondog aircraft mechanic who hails from Hubbardston, Mass., said he is excited to be here and looks forward to working with Airmen.

"I am appreciative to be on an Air Force base and we have already established a great working relationship with the Airmen who are our counterparts and perform similar jobs," Werner said. "I love my job and I love the Marines who I'm deployed with. It is a great feeling to know that my job is directly impacting the guys who are on the ground and the aircrew who fly the jets."

Werner added he couldn't do his job without the support of his family, friends, fellow Marines and the support of the American people.

According to Hibbert, the Marines who support and operate the Prowlers here are all dedicated professionals who always put the mission first.

"From the aircrew to the Marines behind the scene who maintain the jet or provide communications support, all of us are excited to be here," Hibbert said. "Every Marine here has a greater purpose and on deployments every one of them falls into a role of getting the mission done."

• Date Taken: 02.21.2014
• Date Posted: 02.22.2014 03:43
• Story ID: 120997
• Location: AL UDEID AIR BASE, QA