Crosswind

Photo by Emily Gilbert/Whidbey News-Times Cadesha Pacquette sets up a pop-up picnic spread similar to one she created for a young girl’s birthday party. Pacquette said her new venture has been popular with military families celebrating a spouse’s return from deployment, anniversaries or just to have fun outdoors.

Pop-up beach picnics are a popular way to celebrate coming home

Navy wife’s new business a big hit for deployments, anniversaries

 

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Commander Capt. Matthew Arny overlooks the flight line at Ault Field. Photo by Emily Gilbert/Whidbey News-Times

Base commander reflects on 33-year Navy career

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Commander Capt. Matthew Arny will retire in July.

 

Melissa and Mark Stewart own One Willow Farm in Oak Harbor where they offer eggs, chicken and turkey. The couple went through a special program for military veterans wanting to become farmers before they opened their own farm. Photo by Emily Gilbert/Whidbey News-Times

Navy vet gets back to roots at One Willow Farm

The husband and wife duo opened their poultry farm near Oak Harbor amid the pandemic last year.

 

Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum President Wil Shellenberger is hoping to find more volunteer docents so the museum can show off the PBY-5A Catalina aircraft’s interior to the public. Photo by Emily Gilbert/Whidbey News-Times.

Navy museum seeking docents to show off the PBY-5A Catalina

The museum plans to offer tours of the WWII-era plane on the weekends this summer and needs docents.

Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum President Wil Shellenberger is hoping to find more volunteer docents so the museum can show off the PBY-5A Catalina aircraft’s interior to the public. Photo by Emily Gilbert/Whidbey News-Times.
Oak Harbor High School seniors James Hart, left, and Lawrence Zapanta, right, with ret. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Vincent Quidachay, after they learned they had earned ROTC college scholarships. Photo by Oak Harbor Public Schools

Two Oak Harbor High School seniors earn ROTC scholarships

Two Oak Harbor High School seniors with the goals of a military career received major scholarships to college. James Hart earned a $130,000 Army Reserve… Continue reading

Oak Harbor High School seniors James Hart, left, and Lawrence Zapanta, right, with ret. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Vincent Quidachay, after they learned they had earned ROTC college scholarships. Photo by Oak Harbor Public Schools
The new interpretive panels that explain the story of the former World War I era Army post have been installed in recent months at Fort Casey State Park near Coupeville. Photo by Ron Newberry/Whidbey News-Times

Fort Casey’s ‘Big Guns’ get a facelift

The two “Big Guns” at Fort Casey Historical State Park are undergoing a major makeover for the first time since they were brought to Whidbey… Continue reading

The new interpretive panels that explain the story of the former World War I era Army post have been installed in recent months at Fort Casey State Park near Coupeville. Photo by Ron Newberry/Whidbey News-Times
The men and women of the VAQ-132 Scorpions gather for a photo during a change of command ceremony April 5 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. (photo provided)

Scorpions hold change of command at NAS Whidbey

Cmdr. Kerry “Beagle” Hicks was relieved by Cmdr. Marcus “Oompa” Kephart as the commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 132. The change of command ceremony… Continue reading

  • Apr 9, 2021
The men and women of the VAQ-132 Scorpions gather for a photo during a change of command ceremony April 5 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. (photo provided)
Joel Atienza’s uniform’s USAF/USSF patches prior to transfer. Photo provided

Oak Harbor 2010 grad selected for U.S. Space Force

Joel Atienza’s advice to Space Force hopefuls? “Remember, ‘The sky is not the limit.’”

Joel Atienza’s uniform’s USAF/USSF patches prior to transfer. Photo provided
Capt. Robert Miles, retired U.S. Navy, served in active duty for more than two decades before teaching Oak Harbor High School students leadership, confidence and practical skills through Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. Here he is pictured throughout his career. Photo courtesy Jason Lamont

Oak Harbor NJROTC alums come together to honor mentor

Capt. Robert Miles had a lasting impact on his NJROTC students at Oak Harbor High School.

Capt. Robert Miles, retired U.S. Navy, served in active duty for more than two decades before teaching Oak Harbor High School students leadership, confidence and practical skills through Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. Here he is pictured throughout his career. Photo courtesy Jason Lamont
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A Hero for All Time: Research reveals a decorated former Fort Casey soldier

Coupeville woman writes book about local WWI soldier who gained Col. George S. Patton’s admiration.

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Curious about World War I memorial, woman researches the names set in stone

A WWI memorial in front of the Island County courthouse honors eight men who died in service.

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Growler squadron, Whidbey business owner partner to light up hangar

The “Gauntlets” of VAQ-136 hung a large sign to mark the Growler squadron’s 50th anniversary.

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World War II vet will be featured in Navy League’s virtual Veterans Day event

A World War II from Freeland reflects on memories from his time in service.

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Golden Swordsmen reach halfway point in deployment

The Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron Four Seven, based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, have reached the halfway point of their deployment. The Golden… Continue reading

  • Aug 11, 2020
Lt. Nick Woods, attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, controls a Mark II Talon remotely operated vehicle (ROV) during a Certification Exercise (CERTEX) on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., July 16. Elements of EODMU-1 and EODMU-5 qualified as ready for future operational deployments during the CERTEX, which centered on integrating the two units’ Sailors with a goal of building a cohesiveness that will help them counter undersea threats and contribute to winning the high-end fight once deployed in support of Navy and geographic combatant command mission priorities. U.S. Navy EOD is the world’s premier combat force for eliminating explosive threats so the Fleet and nation can fight and win wherever, whenever and however it chooses. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca/Released

Ordnance training held off Whidbey

U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One from San Diego and Unit Five from Guam arrived in Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to conduct… Continue reading

Lt. Nick Woods, attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, controls a Mark II Talon remotely operated vehicle (ROV) during a Certification Exercise (CERTEX) on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., July 16. Elements of EODMU-1 and EODMU-5 qualified as ready for future operational deployments during the CERTEX, which centered on integrating the two units’ Sailors with a goal of building a cohesiveness that will help them counter undersea threats and contribute to winning the high-end fight once deployed in support of Navy and geographic combatant command mission priorities. U.S. Navy EOD is the world’s premier combat force for eliminating explosive threats so the Fleet and nation can fight and win wherever, whenever and however it chooses. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca/Released
Patriot Guard Riders and Wallin Funeral Homes Director Kelly Davidson were the Pallbearers for Roy Derrick’s funeral. Photo by Brandon Taylor

Navy veteran without family receives funeral with honors

Roy Derrick was not alone when he was laid to rest on Tuesday, July 21. The retired U.S. Navy senior chief ocean systems maintenance technician… Continue reading

Patriot Guard Riders and Wallin Funeral Homes Director Kelly Davidson were the Pallbearers for Roy Derrick’s funeral. Photo by Brandon Taylor
New tenant command at NAS Whidbey

New tenant command at NAS Whidbey

The Navy stood up its newest tenant command, Tactical Operations Control Squadron, or TOCRON 10 for short, at Naval Air Station Whidbey. Dubbed Kraken, the… Continue reading

  • Jul 24, 2020
New tenant command at NAS Whidbey

VA surgical care better than or equal to non-VA hospitals, according to new study

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that VA hospitals outperform or match neighboring non-VA hospitals in surgical quality and overall patient safety satisfaction. The… Continue reading

  • Jul 24, 2020

Whidbey SAR conducts life-saving missions

A Search and Rescue (SAR) team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island conducted an early morning rescue for a sick hiker in the Olympic National… Continue reading

VAQ-130 holds change of command

VAQ-130 holds change of command

The “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron 130 held a change of command ceremony July 3 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Cmdr. Jack “Farva” Curtis… Continue reading

  • Jul 12, 2019
VAQ-130 holds change of command