VS-22 'Checkmates' stand down proudly

Aviators, flight crews, maintainers, friends, families, former squadron commanders and shipmates gathered in Hangar 117 on a rainy day to honor accomplishments of the "Checkmates" one last time.

"This week honors the end of the Navy VS era that spans some 60 years. It began with aircraft such as the Grumman TBM-3 Avenger, AF-2 Guardian, S-2 Tracker and finally, the Lockheed S-3 Viking, one of which - number 701 - is displayed here today," said VS-22 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Stephen Fimple.

"It is an era that has seen missions flown from aircraft carriers such as USS Lake Champlain, Essex, Wasp, Intrepid, Saratoga, John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Theodore Roosevelt, Enterprise, Harry S. Truman and finally, George Washington."

"I never imagined that one day I'd be the last squadron commanding officer of an airplane in a community that has done so much for the Navy and our nation. It is truly an honor and privilege to be the last operational member of the VS community," said Fimple.

VS-22 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Stephen Fimple is piped aboard for the last time Jan. 29. He said in his remarks that the S-3 Viking is the "best kept secret in naval aviation" because of its unmatched utility and versatility. Photo by Jose Ramos

"Our last scheduled deployment, and the final at-sea period for the S-3, was onboard USS George Washington in 2008 as she departed Norfolk, Va. for her new homeport in Yokosuka, Japan. Sailing through the Straits of Magellan on the Partnership of the Americas cruise was a fitting way for the S-3 to end its sea time. VS-22 garnered both the CVW-17 Top Hook and Golden Wrench awards."

"We also discovered the depth of character in our Checkmates when a fire broke out onboard the George Washington. Checkmates rushed to the aid of the ship on the flight deck and below decks - manning fire hoses and donning OBAs to join fire teams in extinguishing the fire. Officers pitched in to help cook and serve chow to tired and hungry Sailors. Fighting the fire was a test of our training and our spirit of teamwork," Fimple told the audience.

Less than a week after returning from what they thought would be their last deployment, VS-22 was notified it would deploy to Iraq in less than six weeks - not onboard an aircraft carrier - but to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, northwest of Baghdad.

"In only 45 days, we learned to become an expeditionary squadron and fly four Vikings halfway around the globe. We deployed nearly the entire squadron by C-5 aircraft to support our missions over the desert - a feat not previously done in the VS community. Within a week of arriving in theater, we were flying operational missions using our LANTIRN (Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night) pods to locate improvised explosive devices, conduct border surveillance and provide full-motion video to commanders throughout Iraq. We flew more than 340 combat support missions encompassing over 1,600 mishap-free flight hours in Iraq -all with a 100 percent sortie completion rate," said Fimple.

The guest speaker, retired Capt. Danny Powers, is a longtime member of the VS community. Designated a naval aviator in 1967, Powers flew the S-2 Tracker with VS-32. In 1974, he completed transition training to the S-3A Viking with VS-28. He joined VS-22 as executive officer in 1977 and assumed command in 1980.

"Like most people here today, I'm proud to have served with VS-22 and just as sad that we now come together for its deactivation," said Powers.

He reviewed the evolution of naval aviation antisubmarine warfare from World War II through the Cold War era. "I was fortunate to have flown both the Grumman S-2 Tracker, or 'Stoof,' and the Lockheed S-3 Viking, or 'War Hoover.' Sitting between the Stoof's Wright R-1820s with its props spinning just a few feet behind your seat was a unique and unforgettable feeling. There are lots of sea stories I could tell like the Cuban missile crisis and astronaut recoveries, as well as surveillance and pilot rescue ops off the coast of Vietnam. Instead, I'll just say that the Stoof and its crews were there when they were needed."

The Jan. 29 disestablishment ceremony of the VS-22 "Checkmates" filled NAS Jacksonville Hangar 117 with hundreds of military and civilian well-wishers. Photo by Jose Ramos Jose M. Ramos

But time and progress change everything. In 1973, all east coast VS squadrons moved to NAS Cecil Field, where VS-22 led the transition to the S-3A Viking. Powered by twin GE turbofans that delivered greater speed, range and altitude, the Viking also included new technology and sensors to counter the growing number of Soviet submarines.

"Other significant dates in VS-22 history include 1987, when the S-3B variant entered the fleet with improved detection and weapons capabilities, plus, its airborne hose-and-drogue tanker capability."

"In 1993, post-Cold War era requirements broadened the VS mission and squadrons were re-designated from 'antisubmarine' to 'sea control.' After Congress passed laws allowing women in combat units, VS-22 was the first east coast S-3 squadron to be assigned female Sailors.

"In 1999, a significant part of the Viking's mission went away when the ASW equipment was removed from S-3B. Many felt it opened the door for the sundown program because it relegated the VS community to a tanker-only role.

"Instead, our talented officers and CPOs found new ways to support battle group operations. As recently as 2006, more than a dozen S-3Bs were modified to operate the sophisticated LANTIRN system that allows them to fly at low altitudes, at night and under the weather to track and attack ground targets with a variety of precision-guided weapons," explained Powers.

He concluded, "Just last year, when Secretary of Defense Robert Gates asked who was ready to augment the non-traditional intelligence and reconnaissance mission in Iraq on short notice VS-22 got the call. So instead of planning time with their families for Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Checkmates packed for a land-based deployment to Iraq, where they wrote the unusual final chapter in the history of this command.

"We should all be extremely thankful for the unselfish service of these men and women and for the sacrifices of their families. They are truly carrying the burden of our freedom. Thank you and God bless America," said Powers.

In his closing remarks, Fimple added, "It's a bittersweet farewell for us to deactivate this squadron and close our chapter in naval aviation history. I'm grateful to Capt. Powers and the previous generations of the VS community who established the legacy of pride, professionalism and dedication that shaped the Checkmates. The vital importance of the missions we conducted will never be forgotten. I'll miss the 'old Hoove' but most importantly, I'll miss the Sailors, chiefs, and officers of the VS community."

Fimple then turned to Capt. Norbert Szarleta, commander, Carrier Air Wing 17, whom he saluted and said,"Sir, the Checkmates are deactivated. Request permission to go ashore."