Northrop-Grumman hosts return luncheon for VMAQ-4

Photo By Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | Gunnery Sgt. Jay Barker, a maintenance controller with Marine Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 4, and his two and a half year-old son Johnny enjoy meals provided by Northrop-Grumman during a luncheon hosted by the Northrop-Grumman Corporation at Miller’s Landing, Dec. 15. Johnny said that he liked the food, was having fun and enjoyed doing stuff with his dad.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

12.22.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- In the spirit of the season the Northrop-Grumman Corporation, the manufacturers of military aircraft, defense electronics, precision weapons, commercial and military aerostructures, hosted a homecoming party in honor of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4’s return from Afghanistan at Miller’s Landing, Dec. 15.

The significance behind VMAQ-4’s deployment was the inaugural use of the Improved Capability III, EA-6B Prowler in Afghanistan by the Marine Corps.

The EA-6B Prowler is the Navy and Marine Corps tactical jamming aircraft that interrupts enemy radar and communications from the air.

“The new weapon system did awesome. It’s really a cut above,” said Maj. Stephen Driskill, the operations officer with VMAQ-4. “There’s a noticeable difference between the ICAP III Prowler and all of the other versions. It’s really the latest and greatest and we barely scratched the surface of its capabilities.”

Northrop-Grumman representative along with the VMAQ-4 squadron all gathered for the seasonal luncheon. The representatives presented awards to the squadron for its 776 successful sortie missions and 2,776 accumulated flight hours acquired during their deployment.

“Obviously, we’ve invested a lot into the squadron and Marine Corps,” said Steve Hogan, the vice president of information operations and electronic attack and integrated product team leader for the company's aerospace systems sector of Northrop-Grumman.

“It’s important for them to know that Northrop-Grumman is there to support them, just as they support Northrop-Grumman.”

VMAQ-4 returned from their six-month deployment in November, just in time for Thanksgiving.

“Getting back right before the holidays, it’s hard to describe the excitement and relief,” said Driskill. “It feels good to be home and I’m proud to be a part of the lucky few who got the chance to be home with their families during the holidays.”

“This celebration has been very nice,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jay Barker, a maintenance controller with Marine Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 4, who brought his family along to the luncheon. “This is a good way to bring the unit together and celebrate our return.”

• Date Taken: 12.22.2011
• Date Posted: 12.22.2011 12:32
• Story ID: 81688
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US