Who is Spike?
My name is Spike Robbins. I had the good fortune to be a 12-year veteran of the world’s Greatest Navy and a Trusty Shellback. I enlisted as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (AMS) and was blessed to of served with some of the greatest young women and men of this Republic .
Ultimately I achieved the rank of AMS1(AW) or E-6 having worked on the A-4F/TA-4J Skyhawk, the Grumman A-6E/KA-6D Intruder, and the EA-6B Prowler aircraft.
In addition to being an active duty sailor, I also served my local community of Coupeville, Washington as a volunteer firefighter with Island Fire District 5 for a couple of years.
During my 5 year career, as a Green Lizard, I deployed 3 times on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) between 1985 and 1990, participated in Earnest Will missions escorting reflagged Kuwaiti tankers, and helped wage war against Iran in the largest Naval engagement since WW II with Operation Praying Mantis.
Commands I Served With.
VT-21 NAS Kingville, TX 1982; My first squadron after leaving A School in Millington, Tennessee. This is where I went to FRAMP school to learn how to be an airframer and fix Scooters.
VA-127 “Cylons” NAS Lemoore, CA 1982-1985; My 2nd squadron. Pacific Fleet Adversary, if you went on Det with your CAG to Fallon Nevada, your pilots would have flown against our Cylons Skyhawks. We flew against F-14’s, F-18’s, and of course the US and Canadian Air Force. This was sorta like being in Topgun, just no-homo.
VA-95 “Green Lizards” NAS Whidbey Island, WA 1986-1991; The PREMIER A-6 Intruder medium bombardment squadron in the US Navy. 3 Cruises onboard the CVN-65 USS Enterprise (1986, 1988 and the 1989/90), Earnest Will missions, Operation Praying Mantis both in 1988, and Operation Classic Resolve in 1989. This squadron saw a lot of action when I was there.
VAQ-129 “Vikings” NAS Whidbey Island, WA 1991-1993; This was with the Electronic Attack community flying the EA-6B Prowler. I worked with some kick-ass airframers here, but other than that, the jammer Navy was kinda lame after being in a bomber command.
Medals, Ribbons, And Awards
Almost all of my ribbons and medals I earned as a Green Lizard. The 2 exceptions are my 1st Good Conduct Medal. I refer to it as my “4 years of undetected crime” medal. And just so you know, I managed to earn it even though I was a guest at the Hanford, Ca crossbar hotel for 17 days. And…, I did a short TAD stint for about two months in alcohol rehab while I was stationed with VA-127 at NAS Lemoore. My saving grace in my first command was I always volunteered to go on detachments and I loved fixing jets. Back then, as long as you did a great job, getting in trouble didn’t really matter.
My last ribbon I earned, I qualified as a pistol marksman while I was hanging out with VAQ-129. Shore duty commands don’t really earn ribbons and medals. If you want a chest full of ribbons, you have to GO TO SEA!
Sailors belong on ships. Ships belong at sea. Land is a navigational hazard.
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS)
Ribbons and Medals
These are listed in order of priority, from highest to the lowest rank.
Navy Achievement Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy E Ribbon (Battle E)
Good Conduct Award (x2)
Navy Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (x2)
National Defense Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (x3)
Sharpshooter Ribbon (Pistol)