Previously Held NEC AM-8305-E2/C2 System Organizational Maintenance Technician
AM-7232-Structural Repair IMA Technician
8331-A-6 System Organization Maintenance Technician
8276-P-3 Orion Second Mechanic (Assistant Flight Engineer)
8279-C-2 Aircraft Loadmaster
AM-9502-Instructor
AMS-8278-Loadmaster
8241-C-12/ C 26 Air Transport Crewman
I took an early retirement under TERA in 1997 (19 yrs), after which I worked as a government aircraft maintenance contractor. I hold FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) with Inspection Authorization (IA) certificates, in addition to an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator's License (GROL) (w/ Radar Endorsment). I also hold a FAA Commercial Pilot's certificate with Instrument and Single/Multi Engine ratings.
We moved around almost as much as we did when I was on active duty; we lived/worked in: RAF Mildenhall, UK, NAF El Centro, CA, Kirtland AFB, NM, NAS North Island, CA, Imperial, CA, Sierra Vista, AZ, Webster Field, MD, JB Andrews, MD, and MCAS Yuma, AZ. I retired in 2022 after 43+ years in aviation.
Gabrielle got out of the Navy in 1991 as a YN2 and worked for the US Government (GS). In 2022 she retired as a GS-13 with 30+ years of military/federal service.
Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, WA Details
Present day
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eleven (EODMU-11) members perform a static jump from the ramp of a C-130 "Hercules" at Outlying Landing Field Coupeville, south of NAS Whidbey Island, on central Whidbey Island, at coordinates 48°11"24'N 122°37"48'W / 48.19°N 122.63°W / 48.19; -122.63 (Outlying Landing Field Coupeville).
In all, there are 19 active duty squadrons and 2 Ready Reserve squadrons currently based at NAS Whidbey Island. The air station also maintains a Search and Rescue Unit, flying three Sikorsky MH-60S Nighthawks. With the addition of the MH-60S, Navy Search and Rescue provides 24 day and night maritime, inland and mountainous rescue support for Department of Defense personnel and the greater Pacific Northwest community. The SAR Unit (360) 257-2681 provides 15 minute alert coverage Monday through Thursday from 0800-0200 or last plane on deck, Friday 0800-2200 or last plane on deck and 30 minute alert coverage at all others times of the year. Additionally, SAR has organic SAR Medical Technicians on all missions it performs. NASWI SAR primarily serves military aircrews, but missions aiding civilians in distress are often approved and executed.[citation needed]
Over 50 tenant commands are also located at NAS Whidbey Island, providing training, medical and dental, and other support services, including a Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) for Whidbey" staff and student Marine Corps personnel. The base also continues its long-standing role as a center of activity for Naval Air Reserve operations and training in the region.
SEE UNIT HISTORY FOR MOR DETAILS
Other Memories Assigned to AirOps pending discharge, then, as a reservist, to AIMD Airframes. After 3 drill weekends of doing nothing, transfered to VAQ-309.
