Last modified Wed., December 13, 2006 - 06:18 PM
Originally created Thursday, December 14, 2006

'War Eagles' back from successful deployment

By Lt. j.g. Kevin Buszta, VP-16 Public Affairs Officer

AO1 Henry West of VP-16, hugs his wife and child while another family member records the reunion Dec. 4. Photo by MC3(NAC) Charles White

After six months operating overseas, the ''War Eagles'' of VP-16 are home. While deployed, the Sailors of VP-16 successfully operated in three different areas of responsibility (AOR), fighting the global war on terrorism and conducting joint exercises with allies around the world.

Aircrews and maintainers deployed to the Central Command AOR in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. VP-16 assets provided daily round-the-clock intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support for ground combatant commanders as well as maritime security patrols throughout the Arabian Gulf and adjacent waters. In the Horn of Africa region, VP-16 crews supported coalition efforts to eliminate piracy and intercept terrorists and illegal arms movements.

Flying in the Southern Command AOR, VP-16 Sailors and aircrew made a substantial impact against narcotics smuggling operations. In cooperation with Customs Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard and other Navy assets, as well as regional nation forces, the War Eagles participated in intercepts of suspect vessels and aircraft. By keeping a watchful eye on the eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, 46.2 metric tons of cocaine worth an estimated 1.8 billion dollars were confiscated or disrupted.

With its main base of operations in Sigonella, Italy, the War Eagles coordinated detachments throughout Europe and for the first time, West Africa. Flying in support of NATO's Operation Active Endeavor, aircrews monitored shipping traffic throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, when the armed conflict broke out between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, VP-16 was on station to assist in the evacuation of American citizens.

AD1 Steven Neitz of VP-16, joyfully greets his wife and infant daughter after returning from a six-month deployment to NAS Sigonella, Italy Dec. 4. By MC3(NAC) Charles White

Other detachments included trips to Estonia, Iceland, Norway, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, France, Cape Verde, and Ghana supporting NATO exercises and partnership for peace initiatives.

In all, more than 3,300 hours were flown, taking the squadron past the 41 year and 265,000 hour class ''A'' mishap-free milestone. All the members of VP-16 are proud to have finished a successful deployment and excited to be home for a restful holiday season with their families and loved ones.

CAPTION:AW2 Timothy Vaughn of VP-16 is greeted by family members as he returns home Dec. 4.