MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 deployed to Guam, July 15, to partake in the Training in an Urban Environment Exercise.
The Banshees, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., took a few of their birds, the EA-6B Prowler, and more than 160 Marines and Sailors to support the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in the exercise.
"The squadron is looking forward to participating in the exercise and eager to work with the 31st MEU," said Maj. Brian M. Boyce, VMAQ-1 logistics officer. "Along with training with the 31st MEU, the squadron will be conducting our own operations as well."
Being deployed is nothing new to the Banshees, having been to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While there, the Banshees provided electronic warfare support to coalition forces throughout the world and flew more than 18,000 hours and 350 sorties. They also provided radar and communications jamming and high speed anti-radiation missile employment that significantly reduced the anti-air threat to coalition aircraft.
Although this is the first time in a decade the award winning squadron has been part of a Unit Deployment Program here, the spirits of the Banshees are howling and ready for whatever exercises come their way.
"Japan and the Pacific Theater are great places to train," said Sgt. Asdrubal A. Atehortua, VMAQ-1 power line technician. "The squadron has and always will be combat ready. We've come across difficult tasks, but we always accomplish the missions that are set. We've proved that in not only exercises, but also in Operation Iraqi Freedom."
"No matter were we go, we'll get the job done. When we do that, you'll be able to hear the Banshees scream," added Atehortua.
While in Iwakuni, the squadron has deployed to Osan, Korea and is slated for another exercise in Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, before heading back to their home station.
"We arrived here in April and we are excited to wrap up the UDP and go back to Cherry Point soon," said Capt. Nicholas A. Marciano, VMAQ-1 teams officer.