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US Navy - Electronic Attack Squadron 135
(VAQRON 135) VAQ-135 'Black Ravens' former Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 |
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 EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - January 2021  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - January 2021  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - January 2021  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - January 2021  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - January 2021  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - January 2021  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - January 2021  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) with an USAF B-1B Lancer bomber - December 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - December 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - December 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - December 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - December 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - July 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - July 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Nellis AFB, Nevada - November 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - August 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - August 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - May 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - May 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - May 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar - March 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar - March 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar - March 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar - March 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar - March 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) arriving at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar - October 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) arriving at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar - October 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) arriving at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar - October 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) arriving at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar - October 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - March 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - March 2018  aircraft and personnel of VAQ-135 at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - October 2016  cutout  cutout  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - November 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Misawa Air Base (NAF), Japan - November 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Red Flag Alaska 16-3 at Eielson AFB, Alaska - August 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Red Flag Alaska 16-3 at Eielson AFB, Alaska - August 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Red Flag Alaska 16-3 at Eielson AFB, Alaska - August 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Red Flag Alaska 16-3 at Eielson AFB, Alaska - August 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Red Flag Alaska 16-3 at Eielson AFB, Alaska - August 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - May 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - November 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - November 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Southern Strike at Gulfport Air National Guard Base, Mississippi - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Southern Strike at Gulfport Air National Guard Base, Mississippi - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Southern Strike at Gulfport Air National Guard Base, Mississippi - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Southern Strike at Gulfport Air National Guard Base, Mississippi - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Southern Strike at Gulfport Air National Guard Base, Mississippi - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Southern Strike at Gulfport Air National Guard Base, Mississippi - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Southern Strike at Gulfport Air National Guard Base, Mississippi - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Red Flag Alaska 14-2 at Eielson AFB, Alaska - August 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Southern Strike at Gulfport Air National Guard Base, Mississippi - December 2013  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Red Flag 13-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada - March 2013  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) during exercise Red Flag 13-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada - March 2013  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal - May 2012  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - undated  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-135) - undated  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - undated  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - undated  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - undated  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2007  cutout  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - October 2001  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) at Andrews AFB, Maryland - February 1993  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - April 1986  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - March 1986  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - March 1986  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1986  cutout  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-1) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - March 1985  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - April 1984  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - April 1984  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - April 1984  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - April 1984  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - April 1984  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - 1982  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-15) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1980  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-135 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - 1978  EKA-3B Skywarrior (VAQ-135, Det. 2 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - circa 1973  KA-3B Skywarriors, 615 (VAQ-135, Det.5 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) and 611 + 613 (VAQ-135, Det. 3 / CVW-15) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) over the Golden Gate Bridge, California - circa 1973  EKA-3B Skywarrior (VAQ-135, Det. 5 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - 1972  EKA-3B Skywarrior (VAQ-135, Det. 3 / CVW-15) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) - circa 1972  EKA-3B Skywarrior (VAQ-135, Det. 2 / CVW-8) embarked on USS America (CVA 66) - 1971  EKA-3B Skywarrior (VAQ-135, Det. 2 / CVW-8) embarked on USS America (CVA 66) - 1971  EKA-3B Skywarrior (VAQ-135, Det. 1 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1971  EKA-3B Skywarrior (VAQ-135, Det. 1 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) prepares to refuel F-4J Phantom II's from VF-41 - 1971  cutout  EKA-3B Skywarrior (VAQ-135, Det. 1 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1971 |
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The BLACK RAVENS of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron ONE THREE
FIVE were established on 15 May 1969 to provide electronic warfare
and aerial refueling support to carrier air wings. Homeported at NAS
Alameda, California, the BLACK RAVENS first flew the Douglas EKA-3B
“Skywarrior” and deployed to both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. In 1973, VAQ-135 relocated to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and transitioned to their present aircraft, the Grumman EA-6B Prowler. The BLACK RAVENS first deployed with the EA-6B to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean from January to September 1976 with CVW-2 aboard USS RANGER (CV 61). Following that deployment, VAQ-135 transitioned to the Improved Capability Prowler (ICAP) and became the first fleet EA-6B ICAP squadron. The squadron deployed with CVW-8 aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) from November 1977 to July 1978. In January 1979, VAQ-135 commenced refresher training with CVW-15 aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) and deployed to the Western Pacific in May 1979. During deployment, the BLACK RAVENS received the Navy Expeditionary Medal for operations in the Indian Ocean during the Iranian hostage crisis, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and their first Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award. The BLACK RAVENS deployed again with CVW-15 aboard USS KITTY HAWK from April to November 1981. VAQ-135 participated in several major exercises throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans and received a second Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal for their participation in the rescue of Vietnamese refugees. In May 1982, the BLACK RAVENS were assigned to USS AMERICA (CV 66) and CVW-1. After completing work-ups, the BLACK RAVENS received word to transfer to USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) and deploy to the Mediterranean Sea in November 1982. The BLACK RAVENS received their second Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award soon after. In 1984, the Black Ravens deployed with USS AMERICA with CVW-1 from April until November 1984, receiving their third Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award. In 1985, the BLACK RAVENS and CVW-1 participated in Ocean Safari ‘85, the largest NATO Naval Exercise to date, and received their second Meritorious Unit Commendation. On the morning of 1 January 1986, VAQ-135 was “no-notice” deployed to support Sixth Fleet Battle Group operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Within 48 hours, the BLACK RAVENS had sortied from NAS Whidbey Island, joined their new air wing (CVW-13) at sea on board USS CORAL SEA (CV 43) and supported contingency operations underway in the central Mediterranean Sea. For the next five months, with no in theater AIMD or supply support, the squadron provided valuable electronic warfare support to U.S. Naval forces operating off the coast of Libya. The BLACK RAVENS proved to be an essential element in the successful Naval strike action in the Gulf of Sidra in March of 1986 and provided key close-support jamming services in the successful strikes on the Benina/Benghazi airfields in April of that year. As a result, the squadron was awarded two Navy Unit Commendations, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award for 1986. In November 1986, the BLACK RAVENS were reassigned to CVW-11 aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). In 1987, VAQ-135 completed work-ups with CVW-11 and became the first Prowler squadron to complete the Medium Attack Advanced Readiness Program (MAARP) and the revised EA-6B Defensive Air Combat Maneuvering (DACM) syllabus. In January 1988, VAQ-135 became the first EA-6B squadron to deploy with five Prowlers. WESTPAC ‘88 marked the return of the BLACK RAVENS to the Seventh Fleet with USS ENTERPRISE, providing electronic warfare support to U.S. Naval forces operating in the North Arabian Sea. The squadron received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In April 1988, VAQ-135 participated with CVW-11 and Battle Group FOXTROT in Operation PRAYING MANTIS, the highly successful action against Iranian naval surface units. The command received the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In the fall of 1988, the BLACK RAVENS transitioned to the ICAP-II version of the Prowler, acquiring the ability to fire the High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). In September 1989, VAQ-135 deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE for an around the world cruise, taking part in PACEX ‘89, the largest naval exercise since World War II. In January 1990, the squadron participated in Operation EARNEST WILL in defense of the Philippine government, resulting in the command receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In September 1990, the BLACK RAVENS deployed aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). Their two month maiden voyage took them from Norfolk Virginia, around Cape Horn to the LINCOLN’s new homeport of Alameda, California. In May 1991, the BLACK RAVENS deployed to the Western Pacific aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN and participated in Operation FIERY VIGIL, the evacuation of Air Force and Navy personnel from Subic Bay, Philippines. While on station in the Persian Gulf, the BLACK RAVENS took part in peacetime Operation DESERT STORM receiving the Southwest Asia Service Medal, BEACON FLASH exercises with Oman and annual exercise operations with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces. In February 1992, the BLACK RAVENS received the 1991 AIRPAC Safety “S” award in recognition of the squadron’s outstanding safety record of over 12 years and 21,000 hours mishap free. In the fall of 1992, the RAVENS started another work-up cycle for their second deployment on LINCOLN and participated in the squadron’s first HARM shot over the desert skies of China Lake. On June 15, 1993 the BLACK RAVENS deployed to the Western Pacific participating in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, enforcing the southern no-fly zone in Iraq where they shot two HARM missiles to protect air wing aircraft from enemy surface to air missiles and received their second Southwest Asia Service Medal. In addition, the squadron participated in Operation RESTORE HOPE, while USS LINCOLN was stationed off the coast of Somalia, receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In November 1993, the BLACK RAVENS celebrated another safety milestone, fourteen years mishap free, just prior to returning home to NAS Whidbey Island. In April 1995, VAQ-135 deployed to the Western pacific onboard USS LINCOLN participating in INSPIRED ALERT, an exercise with the Pakastani Air Force, NAUTICAL ARTIST, an exercise with Saudi Air and Naval Forces and OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH, receiving their third Southwest Asia Service Medal. The BLACK RAVENS returned from deployment and started an aggressive 12 month turnaround aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) participating in RIMPAC 96’. The squadron deployed in October 1996 and participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH receiving their fourth Southwest Asia Service Medal. After returning from deployment in April 1997, the squadron participated in several exercises including RED FLAG and MAPLE FLAG . In February 1998 the squadron was redesignated ELECTRONIC ATTACK SQUADRON 135, and the aircraft’s side numbers were changed to 500 series. During the summer of 1998 the squadron deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) and participated in RIMPAC ’98. The squadron deployed to the Western Pacific in November 1998, participating in OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH and OPERATION DESERT FOX, a four day campaign consisting of several air strikes. The squadron fired two HARM’s supporting air wing strike aircraft. The squadron returned from deployment in May 1999. In September of 1999, the BLACK RAVENS participated in RED FLAG and SPIRIT HAWK exercises in preparation for their deployment to Incirlik, Turkey in August 2000. In March 2001, the BLACK RAVENS deployed to the Western Pacific in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH. Following September 11, 2001, USS CARL VINSON and CVW-11 took station off of the coast of Pakistan and conducted air strikes in support of coalition air and ground forces during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. The squadron returned home in December 2001 and received the Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award, Battle Efficiency Award and the Old Crows Award as the most tactically proficient Prowler squadron. In March of 2003, the BLACK RAVENS deployed aboard USS NIMITZ and participated in the initial air strikes of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. Following an extended eight month deployment, supporting two separate contingency operations, the squadron returned home in November 2003. In July 2004, the RAVENS participated in Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment (JEFX), Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada, the first of five 2004 detachments in preparation for the 2005 WESTPAC deployment. The RAVENS completed 2004 with a two-month detachment aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) for TSTA/COMPTUEX and received the CVW-11 Golden Wrench for maintenance excellence. In 2005, the BLACK RAVENS continued their high tempo operations in preparation for their WESTPAC deployment with detachments to NAS Fallon, NV, NAS Lemoore, CA, NAS North Island, CA and several exercises aboard USS NIMITZ. On 7 May 2005, the BLACK RAVENS deployed aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) as part of Carrier, Strike Group ELEVEN. During the 2005 deployment, VAQ-135 conducted operations in the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf, participating in OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM from the Arabian Gulf and Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, providing critical support to Multi-national Ground Forces in Iraq. The squadron received the CVW-11 / CVN 68 TEAMWORK Award twice during the deployment, initially for the first line period and again at the end of deployment. Additionally, VAQ-135 received the CVW-11 Golden Wrench Award for deployment, as the finest Maintenance Department in CVW-11. Late August 2006 was the beginning of a busy and challenging workup period for the BLACK RAVENS, as they completed six detachments in only six months. These included TRIDENT FURY, SFARP, TSTA, COMPTUEX, AIRWING FALLON, and JTFEX. Again the BLACK RAVENS deployed with Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN on the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) to the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. From April to September 2007, sorties were conducted in support of coalition ground forces during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. History was made as the NIMITZ became the first nuclear powered carrier to port in Chennai, India. The BLACK RAVENS finished the deployment by supporting multi-carrier Exercises VALIANT SHIELD 2007 and MALABAR 2007/2008. Only four months after their return, the BLACK RAVENS deployed again on USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) for another WESTPAC deployment in January 2008. The squadron participated in Operation FOAL EAGLE with South Korean Naval Forces and provided key electronic attack training for the South Korean Navy. The BLACK RAVENS returned from WESTPAC to NAS Whidbey Island in June 2008. In January 2009, VAQ-135 began work-ups for their summer deployment onboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). They deployed on WESTPAC shortly after in July 2009 and supported Operation ENDURING FREEDOM with more than 4 months of in-theater operations. The BLACK RAVENS returned home from their deployment in March 2010. In August 2010 the Black Ravens participated in SUSTEX, a three week exercise, with the USS NIMITZ and CVW-11. In November 2010 the BLACK RAVENS joined the FRS to start their transition from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler. On May 1st, 2011 VAQ-135 departed the “Barbwire” pattern, and joined Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, as their Immediate Superior in Command as they transitioned to an expeditionary squadron. On June 17, 2011 the BLACK RAVENS were deemed Safe for Flight with the EA-18G Growler. In September of 2011 VAQ-135 began their inaugural work-up cycle in the EA-18G. The Squadron spent 10 days at EWARP in Fallon, Nevada. One week after returning to NAS Whidbey Island the BLACK RAVENS participated in RED FLAG Alaska. In November, VAQ-135 conducted a detachment to JRB New Orleans, performed a HARM shoot, and left for Nellis AFB to participate in Mission Employment Phase. The final work-up before deployment for the BLACK RAVENS was a Joint Interoperability exercise also at Nellis AFB that took place in March of 2012. The BLACK RAVENS set a milestone for the Electronic Attack community in 2012, by departing on the first EA-18G expeditionary deployment into Afghanistan. The deployment was in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and included a no notice rapid redeployment to Souda Bay, Crete in support of contingency operations. In October the BLACK RAVENS returned home to Whidbey Island. In 2012 VAQ-135 earned their fifth the Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award, as well as their second Battle Efficiency award. Currently, VAQ-135 is in the work-up cycle for their next Deployment. In mid March of 2013 the BLACK RAVENS returned home from RED FLAG 13-3 and are scheduled to continue work-ups throughout the summer. source: VAQ-135 website - - - - - another history: Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Five was established on May 15, 1969, to provide electronic warfare and aerial refueling support to carrier air wings. It was stationed at Naval Air Station Alameda. The squadron first flew the EKA-3B Skywarrior and deployed to both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. In 1973, VAQ-135 relocated to NAS Whidbey Island and transitioned to the Grumman EA-6B Prowler. The squadron first deployed with the EA-6B to the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and the Indian Ocean from January to September 1976 with Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) aboard USS Ranger. Following that deployment, VAQ-135 transitioned to the Improved Capability Prowler (ICAP) and became the first fleet EA-6B ICAP squadron. The squadron deployed with Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) aboard USS Nimitz from November 1977 to July 1978 to the Mediterranean Sea. In January 1979, VAQ-135 commenced refresher training with Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) aboard USS Kitty Hawk and deployed to the Western Pacific in May 1979. During deployment, they received the Navy Expeditionary Medal for operations in the Indian Ocean during the Iranian hostage crisis, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and their first Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award. They again deployed with CVW-15 aboard USS Kitty Hawk from April to November 1981. VAQ-135 participated in several major exercises throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans and received a second Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal for their participation in the rescue of Vietnamese boat people. In May 1982, VAQ-135 was assigned to USS America and Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1). After completing work-ups, the squadron was transferred to USS Nimitz and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in November 1982 later receiving their second Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award. In 1984, the squadron deployed to USS America and CVW-1 from April until November 1984, receiving their third Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award. In 1985, along with CVW-1 they participated in Ocean Safari ‘85, the largest NATO naval exercise to date, and received their second Meritorious Unit Commendation. On the morning of January 1, 1986, VAQ-135 was deployed to support Sixth Fleet Battle Group operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Within 48 hours, they had sortied from NAS Whidbey Island, joined their new air wing Carrier Air Wing 13 (CVW-13) at sea on board USS Coral Sea and supported contingency operations underway in the central Mediterranean Sea. For the next five months, with no in-theater supply support, the squadron provided electronic warfare support to U.S. naval forces operating off the coast of Libya. The squadron took part in the successful strikes in the Gulf of Sidra in March 1986 and provided key close-support jamming services in the successful strikes on the Benina/Benghazi airfields in April of that year. As a result, the squadron was awarded two Navy Unit Commendations, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award for 1986. In November 1986, the squadron was reassigned to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard USS Enterprise. In 1987, VAQ-135 completed work-ups with CVW-11 and became the first Prowler squadron to complete the Medium Attack Advanced Readiness Program (MAARP) and the revised EA-6B Defensive Air Combat Maneuvering (DACM) syllabus. In January 1988, VAQ-135 became the first EA-6B squadron to deploy with five Prowlers. WESTPAC ‘88 marked the return of the squadron to the Seventh Fleet with USS Enterprise, providing electronic warfare support to U.S. Naval forces operating in the North Arabian Sea. The squadron received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In April 1988, VAQ-135 participated with CVW-11 and Battle Group Foxtrot in Operation Praying Mantis, the successful action against Iranian naval surface units. The command received the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In the fall of 1988, the squadron transitioned to the ICAP-II version of the Prowler, acquiring the ability to fire the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile. In September 1989, VAQ-135 deployed aboard Enterprise for an around the world cruise, taking part in PACEX ‘89, the largest naval exercise since World War II. In January 1990, the squadron participated in Operation Earnest Will in defense of the Philippine government, resulting in the command receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In September 1990, the squadron deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. Their two-month maiden voyage took them from Naval Station Norfolk around Cape Horn to Abraham Lincoln's new homeport of NAS Alameda, California. In May 1991, they deployed to the Western Pacific aboard Abraham Lincoln and participated in Operation Fiery Vigil, the evacuation of Air Force and Navy personnel from Naval Base Subic Bay, Philippines. While on station in the Persian Gulf, the squadron took part in Operation Desert Storm, Exercise Beacon Flash with Oman and annual exercise operations with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces. In February 1992, the squadron received the 1991 AIRPAC Safety "S" award in recognition of the squadron’s outstanding safety record of over 12 years and 21,000 hours mishap free. In late 1992, the squadron started another work-up cycle for their second deployment on Abraham Lincoln and participated in the squadron’s first AGM-88 shot over the desert skies of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. On June 15, 1993, they deployed to the Western Pacific participating in Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the southern no-fly zone in Iraq where they shot two AGM-88s to protect air wing aircraft from an enemy surface to air missiles and received their second Southwest Asia Service Medal. In addition, the squadron participated in Operation Restore Hope, while USS Abraham Lincoln was stationed off the coast of Somalia, receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In November 1993, the squadron celebrated another safety milestone, fourteen years mishap free, just prior to returning home to NAS Whidbey Island. In April 1995, VAQ-135 deployed to the Western pacific on board Abraham Lincoln participating in Exercise Inspired Alert with the Pakistan Air Force, Exercise Nautical Artist, an exercise with the Royal Saudi Air Force and Saudi Navy and Operation Southern Watch, receiving their third Southwest Asia Service Medal. The squadron returned from deployment and started a 12-month turnaround aboard USS Kitty Hawk participating in RIMPAC 96. The squadron deployed in October 1996 and again participated in Operation Southern Watch receiving their fourth Southwest Asia Service Medal. After returning from deployment in April 1997, the squadron participated in several exercises including Exercise Red Flag. In February 1998 the squadron was re-designated Electronic Attack Squadron 135, and the aircraft’s side numbers were changed to 500 series. During the summer of 1998, the squadron deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson and participated in RIMPAC ’98. The squadron deployed to the Western Pacific in November 1998, participating in Operation Southern Watch and Operation Desert Fox, a four-day campaign consisting of several air strikes. The squadron fired two AGM-88’s supporting air wing strike aircraft. The squadron returned from deployment in May 1999. In September 1999, the squadron participated in exercises Red Flag and Spirit Hawk in preparation for their deployment to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey in August 2000. From May through July 2000, the squadron flew missions in support of Operation Northern Watch on station at Incirlik Air Base while supporting in a Joint Expeditionary role for Commander Electronic Attack Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet. In March 2001, the squadron deployed to the Western Pacific in support of Operation Southern Watch. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, USS Carl Vinson and CVW-11 took station off of the coast of Pakistan and conducted air strikes in support of coalition air and ground forces in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron returned home in January 2002 and received the Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S" Award, Battle Efficiency Award and the Old Crows Award as the most tactically proficient Prowler squadron. In March 2003, they deployed aboard USS Nimitz and participated in the initial air strikes of the Iraq War. Following an extended eight-month deployment, supporting two separate contingency operations, the squadron returned home in November 2003. In July 2004, the squadron participated in Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment (JEFX) at Nellis Air Force Base, the first of five 2004 detachments in preparation for the 2005 WESTPAC deployment. The squadron completed 2004 with a two-month detachment aboard Nimitz for TSTA/Computex and received the CVW-11 Golden Wrench for maintenance excellence. In 2005, they continued their high-tempo operations in preparation for their WESTPAC deployment with detachments to NAS Fallon, NAS Lemoore, NAS North Island, and several exercises aboard USS Nimitz. On May 7, 2005, the squadron deployed aboard USS Nimitz as part of Carrier Strike Group 11. During the 2005 deployment, VAQ-135 conducted operations in the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf, again participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom from the Persian Gulf and Al Asad Air BaseIinraq, providing support to coalition forces in Iraq. The squadron received the CVW-11 /USS Nimitz Teamwork Award twice during the deployment, initially for the first line period and again at the end of the deployment. Additionally, VAQ-135 received the CVW-11 Golden Wrench Award for deployment, as the finest Maintenance Department in CVW-11. The squadron departed in April 2007, for a six-month WESTPAC deployment to include supporting both Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, returning in early October 2007. The squadron returned from a subsequent Pacific deployment in June 2008 after a four-and-a-half-month deployment aboard USS Nimitz. The squadron departed July 2009, for an eight-month WESTPAC deployment, aboard USS Nimitz, in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. On 1 November 2010, VAQ-135 commenced transition from the EA-6B to the EA-18G Growler, achieving "safe for flight" designation in the new aircraft on 17 June 2011. in August 2015 the squadron returned home from an expeditionary deployment to the Pacific Command area of responsibility. For six months, VAQ-135 operated primarily from Misawa Air Base, Japan, to test and refine their tactical capabilities as well as increase interoperability with U.S. and international units throughout the Pacific. The squadron did a fly over of the St. Louis Gateway Arch, as part of the 50th anniversary of the construction of the arch on 24 October 2015. source: wikipedia NOTE: Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons (TACELRON) were redesignated to Electronic Attack Squadrons (VAQRON) on March 30, 1998 |
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