VAQ-209 completes OEF Deployment

[HeyJoe]

100907-N-9565D-137 JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (Sept. 7, 2010) Cdr. Michael Esper, assigned to the Star Warriors of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 209, leaves the flight line with his wife and children during a homecoming celebration at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility. VAQ-209 completed a three-month, forward-deployed tour to Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis/Released)

 

[thetford569]

Welcome Home Star Warriors! I photographed the CAG jet at NAS Ft. Worth during the Airshow earlier this year as they were getting ready to deploy!

Brandon

 

[Pugs]

Welcome home Flyinspy and the rest of the Starwarriors. We did 5 recalls to active duty in my time there and with the last two I wouldn't be surprised if they're the most deployed Reserve outfit in Naval Air history.

 

[g2s]

Any -209 guys out there in this forum? I'm a USAF active duty pilot looking for a POC at VAQ-209 for hiring purposes. Since I'm completely unfamiliar with the Navy, will someone enlighten me on how the process generally works (is there a selection board like the ANG/AFRES)? A PM with with a POC name/ph#/email would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Pugs]

Former 209 - retired in 07. I think I'm the only aircrew from their here but Flyinspy is still there I think and if not he can hook you up with a POC.

I don't know what the situation/process is now but since 209 still goes to the boat coming from the USAF would require some heavy Active Duty time. We had several USMC transfers but only on the NFO side I believe and even that transfer took months. As far as selection process it was a local board with the CO of the base and reps from the local Reserve Center and the squadron. Pretty much if the squadron gave you a thumbs up you were in.

I wouldn't be surprised if the process is more convoluted now.

 

[helolumpy]

Random thought, I'm assuming the squadron (or Big Navy) had to ask for permission to use Darth Vader's face on the tail.
Anyone ever hear any story behind it? I'm curious if it was a big deal, if the Navy had to pay George Lucas, of if they went with the old, it's better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission route.

 

[Pugs]

Random thought, I'm assuming the squadron (or Big Navy) had to ask for permission to use Darth Vader's face on the tail.
Anyone ever hear any story behind it? I'm curious if it was a big deal, if the Navy had to pay George Lucas, of if they went with the old, it's better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission route.

The squadron was formed in 77 flying EA-6A's out of Norfolk and sought and got permission from 20th Century Fox who owns it. There's a copy of the letter in the squadron history doc file I saw once when we were moving spaces but I'm sure there's one in some office at NAVAIR since they have to approve all symbols. No buck changed hands that I know but a little swag was I'm sure.

 

[Gatordev]

The squadron was formed in 77 flying EA-6A's out of Norfolk and sought and got permission from 20th Century Fox who owns it. There's a copy of the letter in the squadron history doc file I saw once when we were moving spaces but I'm sure there's one in some office at NAVAIR since they have to approve all symbols. No buck changed hands that I know but a little swag was I'm sure.

Something similar happened with the NFL. No money gets exchanged, but there's usually a caveat as to what the squadron can do with trademark.