Vikings On The Washington

An S-3B Viking attached to the Checkmates of Sea Control Squadron 22 (VS-22) refuels an EA-6B Prowler attached to the Scorpions of Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) during a practice air power demonstration aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in March. The Washington was undergoing carrier qualifications and flight deck certification in preparation for its homeport change to Yokosuka, Japan. VS-22 was aboard the Washington to assist with the carrier qualifications. The Checkmates’ takeoff from the carrier on 28 May marked the last Viking catapult shot. VS-22, homeported at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, will be the last S-3 squadron in operation. The Checkmates are scheduled to stand down in 2009.