VAQ-140 Wins Arthur W. Radford Excellency Award

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (NNS) -- The Patriots of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 won the Adm. Arthur W. Radford Award April 3 for being the best electronic attack squadron in the Navy.

Commander Naval Air Forces chose VAQ-140 for the annual honor due to their knowledge of procedural readiness and their ability to redefine the standard for a carrier-based electronic attack squadron.

The award traditionally recognizes one of the three VAQ squadrons that were awarded the Battle Efficiency award, either from the East Coast, West Coast or Expeditionary.

"We have the Battle "E", the Radford Award and the Safety 'S'," said Cmdr. Joe Martinez, commanding officer of VAQ-140. "As soon as our squadron wins an award, we paint it on our jets with pride."

When you consider that VAQ-140, which flies the older EA-6B Prowler, was up against electronic attack squadrons that use the newer airframe, the EA-18G Growler, the Patriots had a difficult task.

"If you take into account our operational tempo, this is not an easy job," said Martinez. "We continuously work to keep our people and our jets combat-ready. The entire squad worked diligently to earn this award."

Martinez defines VAQ-140's teamwork as having 186 Sailors pull one rope toward the same goal. The squadron functions with ownership throughout all ranks to reach its goals, beginning with E-1 up to E-9 and O-5.

"This success comes from so much preparation over the last couple of years," said Lt. Mark Eisbrenner, assigned to VAQ-140.

"Take care of your people and they will take care of the command," said Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Jason Larsen, leading chief petty officer of VAQ-140. "Completely take care of the basics and everything falls into place."

Adm. Arthur William Radford was a Naval Academy graduate who served 41 years in the U.S. Navy. He directed the Navy's pilot training program during World War II, which earned him the Legion of Merit.

Radford was awarded four Distinguished Service medals throughout his career and at his peak, was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The award named in his honor was a product of hard work and maintenance by all of VAQ-140's personnel.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn69/.