VQ-2 Scheduled for Homeport Change

From Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs


ITALY (NNS) -- Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 will relocate from
Rota, Spain, to Whidbey Island, Wash., effective Sept. 1.

The relocation of VQ-2's six aircraft and 450 Sailors to the United States
is in keeping with the Navy's ongoing transformation of forces in Europe,
and will help reduce costs and eliminate redundancies throughout its force
structure worldwide.

The move will co-locate the squadron with VQ-1, already based at Naval Air
Station Whidbey Island, and will realize efficiencies through the
consolidation of personnel deployment practices, aircraft maintenance
practices and air crew training for these unique Navy squadrons.

"This move is an essential element of our transformation in Europe, greatly
enhancing our overall efficiency and, in the process, improving the
operational capabilities of both VQ-1 and VQ-2," said Adm. Harry Ulrich,
commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe.

"Both squadrons will now be strategically located together, maximizing their
training and readiness posture and their ability to surge worldwide as
required," said Ulrich. "The officers and Sailors of VQ-2 are true
professionals and have carried on a proud legacy here in Europe. Theirs is a
tremendous record of success and excellence. I have no doubt they will
continue that record in the future."

VQ-2, established in 1955, has been operating out of Rota since 1960, and
was at the forefront of the Navy's reconnaissance operations for the
majority of the Cold War. The squadron was instrumental in providing
reconnaissance collection for NATO operations in the Balkans in the 1990s,
and operated alongside VQ-1 to enforce no-fly zones with operations Northern
Watch and Southern Watch during the same period. More recently, VQ-2
deployed to support both operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom in
the Middle East.

The closure of VQ-2 facilities in Rota is being done in phases, with most of
the Sailors and their family members being permitted to complete their tours
in Spain, while new personnel report to facilities in Whidbey Island.

Additionally, two smaller associated units, Naval Security Group Activity
Rota and Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Unit Rota, will be disestablished
through the ongoing transformation efforts.

For related news, visit the COMUSNAVEUR/COMSIXTHFLT Navy NewsStand page at
www.news.navy.mil/local/naveur/.


Regards,
Marco P.J. Borst
P-3 Orion Research Group - The Netherlands

e-mail:
P-3 website: http://home.planet.nl/~p3orion
MSN Messenger:
subscribe to the P-3 Orion e-mail group:

"The reward of a job well done is to have done it."