While the Marine Corps and Army had established a significant presence on the former Iraqi Air Force base following the 2003 United States invasion, the Navy had operated from the base only sporadically. Consequently, there were no permanent Navy facilities from which a four-aircraft and 200-person squadron, such as VAQ-209, could operate.

Petty Officer Etherington, one chief petty officer and one officer arrived in Al Asad more than a month in advance of VAQ-209’s scheduled deployment in order to prepare appropriate logistical support for their arrival. The small team was shown to a dilapidated Iraqi hangar in a remote corner of the base, which had been completely abandoned following the invasion of Iraq in 1991. The bomb-resistant structure had no air conditioning, electricity, phone lines or any sort of habitable work spaces.

‘‘Working more than 14 hours a day, seven days a week, Petty Officer Etherington worked tirelessly to turn the crumbling hangar into a hub of planning and maintenance for a front line combat squadron,” said Navy Lt. Pete Zubof, VAQ-209 public affairs officer. ‘‘Although Petty Officer Etherington’s usual job responsibilities consist mostly of administrative functions, the small number of personnel available to get the job done made him become a jack of all trades. Liaising with the Navy Seabees, Petty Officer Etherington procured Sailors and equipment to construct work spaces within and around the concrete hangar structure.”

Coordinating the installation of modern computers, electrical and telephone lines, the small team ensured the squadron would be able to integrate fully into the war fighting effort as soon as it arrived in theatre, said Lieutenant Zubof.

‘‘When the Star Warriors of VAQ-209 arrived in Iraq, they were surprised to find brand new facilities prepared for them that rivaled and, in many ways, exceeded those of the other services at Al Asad,” he said. ‘‘However, Petty Officer Etherington didn’t rest on his laurels. He continued to provide logistical support for a wide range of activities throughout the entire deployment period. The spaces required constant maintenance and upkeep, and Petty Officer Etherington always seemed to know exactly who to call to get the job done. In addition, he became a supply mastermind, acquiring for his fellow Sailors any tools, equipment and even comfort items they might require.”

Petty Officer Etherington’s dedication and hard work hardly went unnoticed by his command. Upon returning from Iraq, he was named the VAQ-209 2006 Sailor of the Year. In competition with his peers from Carrier Air Wing Reserve 20, Petty Officer Etherington continued to prove his worth, taking home the honors as the CVWR-20 Sailor of the Year, as well.

‘‘The only downside for the Star Warriors is Petty Officer Etherington’s time with the squadron will soon be coming to an end,” said Lieutenant Zubof. ‘‘Finding a replacement will be extremely difficult if not impossible, but the ‘can do’ attitude he exhibited during Operation Iraqi Freedom could not help but rub off on his fellow Sailors and lead the Star Warriors into an extremely successful future.” (Courtesy of the Electronic Attack Squadron 209)