VP-30 IAs support war on terrorism

There are currently five officers, one chief and seven enlisted service members from VP-30 deployed around the world.

An IA is a Sailor who supports or "augments" another Navy, Marine Corps or Army command. They usually go to this new command on temporary duty orders for anywhere from a few weeks to a year or more. After receiving orders, the new IA's leave their parent command and travel to one of four Navy Mobilization and Processing Sites (NMPS), located in Norfolk, Va., Port Hueneme, Calif. San Diego or Gulfport, Miss. NMPS assists in preparing the IA for deployment by verifying medical records, security clearances and issuing gear appropriate for their upcoming assignment.

Following NMPS, approximately half of Navy IA's attend a two to three-week Combat Skills Training course at Fort Jackson, SC.

NC1 Dedrick Owens

The course teaches the basics of operating in a combat environment including weapon qualifications, convoy operations, urban operations and cultural awareness. Depending on the type of orders, additional follow on training may be required prior to traveling to the appropriate theater of operations.

SK3 Warren McWhite left in May 2007 to serve in Djibouti with the Joint Task Force HOA.

He is responsible for shipping and receiving at Camp Lemonier as well as ensuring supplies reach all coalition forces in the neighboring countries including Uganda, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia.

SK3 Warren McWhite