Page 10 - Desert Lightning News Sept. 2015
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10 September 3, 2015 Desert Lightning News
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Jamming the enemy with joint integration
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cheyenne Morigeau
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jonathon Leach, 41st Electronic Combat Squadron mission crew commander stands with U.S. Air Force EC-130H Compass Call crew members on the flightline at Davis-
Monthan Air Force Base, July 31. He is part of a three-year inter-service exchange program where he flies with Airmen from the 41st ECS. Leach is from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.
Airman First Class Cheyenne Morigeau Despite being a Marine for 18 years, Leach as fast as the other aircraft that are out there.”
said the switch to working with the Air Force has Despite the differences, the aircraft still work
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs been smooth.
together to complete the mission given. Once
Davis-Monthan AFB - Walking the halls of the “It’s been a great transition,” Leach said. “The downrange, all branches come together to work
41st Electronic Combat Squadron is an unfamil- Air Force is an outstanding and professional or- as a team to complete the mission.
iar uniform. ganization that has and made me feel right at
home from the moment I stepped on base about “Both are used for electronic combat, but they
Leaving the flight deck of the EA-6B Prowler a year ago.” support different aspects. The prowler is primar-
behind for a few years, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. ily a radar jamming platform whereas the EC-130
Jonathon Leach from Marine Corps Air Station After spending six years flying on the EA-6B is primarily a communication jamming platform.”
Cherry Point, North Carolina, joins the Desert Prowler, Leach had to grow accustomed to the Leach said. “The electronic warfare aircraft come
Lightning Team. differences of aircrew on the EC-130H Com- together as a team (downrange) to maximize
pass Call. their strengths and remove the enemy’s ability to
Leach is part of a three-year inter-service ex- use the electromagnetic spectrum.”
change program where he will be flying on the “One of the biggest differences on the EC-130
EC-130H Compass Call as a mission crew com- is we have enlisted flyers, whereas the Prowler Throughout the year that Leach has been here
mander with the 41st ECS. While Leach learns there are only three to four officers working to- he has worked with pilots, navigators, linguists
about the EC-130’s capabilities to educate the gether with a mission crew, comprised of eight and electronic warfare officers from the 55th
Marine Corps when he returns, he also teaches different mission crew positions and coordinat- Electronic Combat Group.
the Airmen of the 55th ECG about the EA-6B ing with four crew positions on the flight deck
Prowler’s capabilities. can be challenging.” Leach said. “When every- “It’s pretty cool to have a Marine here,” said
one is on their game and working as a team, the Senior Airman Tevin Wallace, 41st ECS linguist.
“I am here until 2017,” said Leach. “I will be result is one of the most rewarding feelings you “We get to see the other side and hear some of
sharing tactics, techniques, and procedures to can experience.” the stories.”
help educate the Air Force about how the Marine
Corps integrates its assets, to include the Prowler, Leach has a total of 1018 flying hours with Leach is excited about working with the
into its overall scheme of maneuver warfare; and the EA-6B Prowler which has an airspeed of 575 41st ECS and plans on giving everything he
how best to employ other joint assets, like the mph whereas the EC-130H Compass Call has an has to offer.
EC-130, into that big picture. While here I will airspeed of 300 mph.
also share tactics, techniques, and procedures “Wherever I’m most needed to provide the
from the Air Force and EC-130 community with “The prowler is a tactical jet, so it is much clos- most benefit to the group, that’s where I’ll head
my Marine colleagues so both communities are er to the fight and has a greater ability to escape with a smile to share what I have to offer with
able to benefit from this exchange program. As with more maneuverability.” Leach said. “As far who I train.” Leach said. “The 55th ECG is a great
well as take in what the EC-130 does and share as the EC-130, is a standoff jamming platform environment and a great team. I couldn’t ask for
that with my colleagues back on the Prowler.” and you have to take into account the threat en- a greater group of individuals to work with over
vironment both air and ground, because it’s not the next two years. They’re truly professional and
excellent aviators up and down the spectrum.”
