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US Navy - Electronic Attack Squadron 141
(VAQRON 141) VAQ-141 'Shadowhawks' former Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 141 |
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 EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) operating out of MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2021  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) operating out of MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2021  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) operating out of MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2021  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - October 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - October 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - October 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - August 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - August 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - May 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - August 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) over Wake Island - April 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - January 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - January 2019  VAQ-141 / CVW-5 embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - December 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) - September 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) - September 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) - September 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - January 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) - January 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - November 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - November 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - November 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - November 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the Island of Iwo Jima (Iwo To), Japan - May 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the Island of Iwo Jima (Iwo To), Japan - May 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the Island of Iwo Jima (Iwo To), Japan - May 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - April 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - April 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - April 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - April 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the Island of Iwo Jima (Iwo To), Japan - May 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the Island of Iwo Jima (Iwo To), Japan - May 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the Island of Iwo Jima (Iwo To), Japan - May 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the Island of Iwo Jima (Iwo To), Japan - May 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the Island of Iwo Jima (Iwo To), Japan - May 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the Island of Iwo Jima (Iwo To), Japan - May 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) on the Island of Iwo Jima (Iwo To), Japan - May 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - April 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - April 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2013  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2013  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2013  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - August 2013  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - August 2013  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2013  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2013  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2012  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - May 2012  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - May 2012  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2011  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2011  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2011  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2010  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2010  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2010  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) - undated  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - May 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) during exercise RED FLAG ALASKA 07-1 - April 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) during exercise RED FLAG ALASKA 07-1 - April 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) during exercise RED FLAG ALASKA 07-1 - April 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq - November 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq - November 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq - November 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq - November 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) during flight deck certifications aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - May 2004  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2004  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - May 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) was refueled by an S-3B Viking - May 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2001  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) during Operation Deny Flight at Aviano Air Base, Italy - September 1995  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) during Operation Deny Flight at Aviano Air Base, Italy - September 1995  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) during Operation Deny Flight at Aviano Air Base, Italy - September 1995  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) during Operation Deny Flight at Aviano Air Base, Italy - September 1995  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) - December 1992  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 1991  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) with an AGM-88 HARM missile loaded - February 1991  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 1988  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-141 / CVW-8) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - April 1988 |
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Electronic Attack Squadron ONE FOUR ONE (VAQ-141) was established in
July 1987 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA as the twelfth operational EA-6B
Prowler squadron. Assigned to Carrier Air Wing EIGHT (CVW-8), the
“Shadowhawks” embarked on board USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for
her maiden cruise to the Mediterranean. Following that first cruise,
VAQ-141 saw combat action on every subsequent deployment for the
next 21 years. The Shadowhawks deployed in early 1991 on board TR in support of Operation Desert Storm. Of note, VAQ-141 was the first CVW-8 squadron to deliver ordnance in that conflict, firing AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) on the first night. Following hostilities, the TR and CVW-8 sailed back into the eastern Mediterranean and provided airborne protection for humanitarian relief efforts in northern Iraq as part of Operation Provide Comfort. In 1993, VAQ-141 deployed again on board TR, this time to the Adriatic Sea in support of Operation Provide Promise humanitarian relief efforts and Operation Deny Flight no-fly zone enforcement over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Following numerous Deny Flight missions, the TR/CVW-8 team steamed into the Red Sea to support Operation Southern Watch, ensuring Iraqi compliance with post-Gulf War United Nations resolutions. The squadron deployed once more with the Roosevelt Battle Group in March 1995, supporting Operation Southern Watch missions from the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. In June, the Shadowhawks flew ashore to Aviano Air Base, Italy to support Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia. During this period, VAQ-141 flew defense suppression cover for the successful Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) effort for downed Air Force pilot Captain Scott O’Grady. Operation Deliberate Force began in late August and the Shadowhawks again provided effective Suppression Of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) coverage for NATO airstrikes throughout Bosnia. After an eventful summer abroad, the Shadowhawks returned home in September. In 1996 the Shadowhawks and CVW-8 embarked on board USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and made the first aircraft carrier visit to Dublin, Ireland. In April 1997 the Shadowhawks deployed on the Kennedy to the Mediterranean/Adriatic Seas and Arabian Gulf, supporting Operations Deliberate Guard and Southern Watch, respectively. In 1999, the Shadowhawks and CVW-8 reunited with the Roosevelt, deploying in March to execute major combat operations over Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo as part of Operation Allied Force. During that intense 70-day conflict, the squadron distinguished themselves by not losing a single Coalition aircraft to enemy air defenses while a Shadowhawk jet was on station. Following Allied Force, the TR Battle Group steamed through the Suez Canal and began combat operations in support of Operation Southern Watch the following month, finally returning home in September 1999. The squadron embarked on board the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) for a deployment to the Arabian Gulf in early 2001 to support no-fly zone enforcement as part of Operation Southern Watch. They were well on their way home when the events of September 11, 2001 unfolded. The Enterprise Battle Group immediately reversed course for the Indian Ocean and joined other American units for the opening days of Operation Enduring Freedom over Afghanistan. Once again, the Shadowhawks flew some of the critical first missions of a major conflict. In February 2003 the Shadowhawks, returned to the Roosevelt, deploying on short-notice to execute the first strikes of Operation Iraqi Freedom I (OIF). During OIF, the Shadowhawks supported Navy, Army and Air Force units, flying over 400 combat hours and launching 21 HARMs in anger. The Shadowhawks logged a 100% mission success rate during that conflict, a testament to both their maintainers and aircrew. Due to an urgent operational requirement from Central Command, the TR Battle Group was ordered to accelerate their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in early 2005. With Coalition units in Iraq under relentless insurgent attack, VAQ-141 flew half of the squadron ashore to Al Asad Airbase, Iraq, in order to significantly increase the availability of critical round-the-clock Airborne Electronic Attack protection. The squadron spearheaded the implementation of simultaneous split-side combat operations from both austere sites ashore and the carrier; a template that every carrier-based EA-6B squadron would use for years to follow. Returning from a deployment in which they flew 2400 hours in direct support of Army, USMC and Coalition units engaged in close combat with the enemy, the Shadowhawks maintained a heightened level of readiness by successfully completing detachments to Boise, ID, Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX, Pt. Mugu, CA, and Anchorage, AK. In April 2007, the Shadowhawks participated in the first Red Flag Alaska, a multi-national air/ground combat exercise out of Elmendorf AFB, AK in which aircrew gained extensive tactical experience and received real-time feedback. Later that same year, the Shadowhawks deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan in support of Pacific Command. While in Iwakuni, VAQ-141 engaged in numerous training events with USMC F/A-18s and USAF F-15s and F-16s. Returning to Carrier Air Wing EIGHT, the Shadowhawks deployed in September 2008 on board USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), flying the EA-6B Prowler into combat for the last time. They returned to the skies over Afghanistan supporting Coalition ground forces as part of Operation Enduring Freedom during the course of an almost eight month deployment. Returning home in April 2009, the Shadowhawks immediately began their transition to the EA-18G Growler. From June 2009 to February 2010, Shadowhawk aircrew and maintainers learned how to fly and fix the most sophisticated and capable Airborne Electronic Attack platform ever built, the EA-18G Growler. On February 5, 2010, the Shadowhawks became only the second operational squadron to be certified Safe For Flight for the EA-18G. In May 2011, VAQ-141 embarked on the historic first carrier-based deployment of the remarkable EA-18G on board USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). In June, the Shadowhawks flew the first carrier-based EA-18G combat mission over the skies of Iraq, followed a month later by the first EA-18G combat mission into Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the course of a seventh month deployment, VAQ-141 operated Growlers “from the sea” in the SECOND, SIXTH, and FIFTH Fleet Areas of Responsibility, ultimately executing 237 combat missions in support of US and Coalition forces on the ground, earning Commander, Naval Air Forces, Atlantic Fleet Battle “E” honors for 2011. Immediately following the first carrier deployment of the EA-18G, VAQ-141 was privileged to introduce the Navy’s most capable Electronic Warfare platform into the SEVENTH Fleet Area of Responsibility in the Western Pacific. In early 2012, the Shadowhawks relocated to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan to join the US Navy’s permanently Forward Deployed Naval Forces as part of Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5), deploying on board USS George Washington (CVN 73) for the second carrier deployment of the EA-18G. source: VAQ-141 website - - - - - another history: Electronic Attack Squadron One Four One (VAQ-141) was established in July 1987 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington as the twelfth operational EA-6B Prowler squadron. Assigned to Carrier Air Wing EIGHT (CVW-8), the squadron embarked on board USS Theodore Roosevelt for her maiden cruise to the Mediterranean Sea. Gulf War, The Balkans & Iraq: The squadron deployed in early 1991 on board the Roosevelt in support of Operation Desert Storm. VAQ-141 was the first CVW-8 squadron to deliver ordnance in that conflict, firing AGM-88 HARM missiles on the first night. Following hostilities, the Roosevelt and CVW-8 sailed back into the eastern Mediterranean and provided airborne protection for humanitarian relief efforts in northern Iraq as part of Operation Provide Comfort. In 1993, VAQ-141 deployed again on board Roosevelt, this time to the Adriatic Sea in support of Operation Provide Promise humanitarian relief efforts and Operation Deny Flight no-fly zone enforcement over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Following numerous Deny Flight missions, the TR/CVW-8 team steamed into the Red Sea to support Operation Southern Watch, ensuring Iraqi compliance with post-Gulf War United Nations resolutions. The squadron deployed once more with the Roosevelt Battle Group in March 1995, supporting Operation Southern Watch missions from the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. In June, the squadron flew ashore to Aviano Air Base, Italy to support Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia. During this period, VAQ-141 flew defense suppression cover for the successful Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) effort for downed Air Force pilot Captain Scott O'Grady. Operation Deliberate Force began in late August and the squadron again provided Suppression Of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) coverage for NATO airstrikes throughout Bosnia. The squadron returned home in September. In 1996 VAQ-141 and CVW-8 embarked on board USS John F. Kennedy and made the first aircraft carrier visit to Dublin, Ireland. In April 1997 the squadron deployed on the Kennedy to the Mediterranean/Adriatic Seas and Persian Gulf, supporting Operation Deliberate Guard and Operation Southern Watch, respectively. In 1999, the squadron and CVW-8 reunited with the Roosevelt, deploying in March to execute major combat operations over Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo as part of the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. During that intense 70-day conflict, the squadron distinguished themselves by not losing a single Coalition aircraft to enemy air defenses while a squadron jet was on station. Following Allied Force, the TR Battle Group steamed through the Suez Canal and began combat operations in support of Operation Southern Watch the following month, finally returning home in September 1999. Afghanistan and Iraq: In April 2001, the squadron deployed as part of Carrier Air Wing 8 on board USS Enterprise. They participated in exercises in the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea and took part in enforcing the Iraqi no-fly zones as part of Operation Southern Watch. The squadron was on its way home when the September 11 attacks occurred. CVW-8's deployment was extended and they were sent to join other U.S. Navy assets in the northern Arabian Sea. Shortly thereafter, VAQ-141 provided electronic attack in support of coalition air and ground forces during the opening stages of the invasion of Afghanistan also known as Operation Enduring Freedom. At the end of January 2003, just as USS Theodore Roosevelt finished its training exercises with VAQ-141 and CVW-8 on board, CVW-8 deployed to the Mediterranean 5 months early, to support VAQ-135 & CVW-11. In March, VAQ-141 provided support for the attack aircraft, leading the initial attacks on Baghdad in support of the Iraq War. In September 2005, the squadron once again deployed with CVW-8 to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While still in the Mediterranean 2 EA-6Bs and a detachment of support personnel from VAQ-141 left USS Theodore Roosevelt and flew to Al Asad Airbase, Iraq to augment VMAQ-1 to fill the void left by the previous carrier leaving the AOR. With this, VAQ-141 became the first EA-6B squadron to conduct split ship-shore operations in Iraq. In September 2008 VAQ-141 departed Naval Station Norfolk aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, steaming south to visit Cape Town South Africa, becoming the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to visit the port. The ship soon rounded the Cape of Good Hope and sailed north, Setting up station in the Northern Persian Gulf, flying missions in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan. In April 2009, VAQ-141 flew off the Roosevelt landing at NAS Whidbey Island for the last time as an EA-6B squadron. On February 12, 2010, the squadron was deemed "safe for flight" with the EA-18G Growler, becoming the second operational squadron to transition to the aircraft. In July 2011, the squadron deployed to the Middle East aboard USS George H.W. Bush. The squadron conducted the first ever combat operations of the EA-18G from sea, supporting both Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. During the deployment, the squadron's commanding officer, Commander Karl Pugh, was removed as CO after an "alcohol-related incident" in Bahrain. Forward Deployment to Japan: In February 2012, the Navy announced that VAQ-141 would be transferred to NAF Atsugi in the spring of 2012 to join Carrier Air Wing 5 and USS George Washington/Carrier Strike Group Five replacing VAQ-136. In November 2013, USS George Washington in coordination with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade assisted the Philippine government in relief efforts in response to the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Republic of the Philippines. In 2015 Carrier Air Wing Five cross-decked to USS Ronald Reagan, which replaced the George Washington as the forward-deployed carrier home-ported in Yokosuka. When the carrier is in port, the squadron is based nearby at Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Kanagawa Prefecture. It relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni at Yamaguchi Prefecture in western Japan on November 28 after the conclusion of USS Ronald Reagan's fall patrol of 2017. source: wikipedia |
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