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US Navy - Electronic Attack Squadron 135
(VAQRON 136) VAQ-136 'Gauntlets' former Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 136 |
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 EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - October 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - July 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - March 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - November 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - November 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - April 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - April 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - April 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - March 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - March 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - March 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - February 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - November 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - November 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - November 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - November 2016  change of command ceremony at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - September 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - August 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - December 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - September 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - September 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - September 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - April 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - April 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - April 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - January 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-136) over Washington - November 2013  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) departing NAF Atsugi, Japan for the last time - February 2012  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) departing NAF Atsugi, Japan for the last time - February 2012  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) departing NAF Atsugi, Japan for the last time - February 2012  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) departing NAF Atsugi, Japan for the last time - February 2012  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - February 2012  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2011  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2011  Rear Adm. J.R. Haley, commander, Task Force 70 and Carrier Strike Group 5, enters the cockpit of his EA-6B Prowler prior to conduct flight operations with VAQ-136 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2011  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2011  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2011  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2011  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2011  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - December 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - April 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam - February 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - August 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - May 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - March 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136) was prepared for display at NAF Atsugi, Japan - March 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2008  Pratt & Whitney J52-P-408A turbojet engine maintenance from an EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - June 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - June 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - May 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - May 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - May 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - April 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - April 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - September 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - June 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2007  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - December 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - September 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - September 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - September 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) returning to NAF Atsugi, Japan - August 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005  cutout  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - June 2005  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - September 2004  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2004  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2004  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - February 2004  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - December 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - June 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - April 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - January 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - January 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - January 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - December 2002  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - December 2002  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2002  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2002  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2002  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2002  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) during a refueling-display with an S-3B Viking aircraft - October 2000  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - July 2000  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) was refueled during operation Southern Watch - April 1998  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - March 1998  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - March 1998  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - February 1998  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - March 1996  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) during operation Southern Watch - August 1992  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - early 1990's  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - early 1990's  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) during exercise Cope Thunder, Philippines - September 1983  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - February 1982  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-136 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - July 1980 |
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Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE SIX was established at Naval
Air Station, Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Washington on April 6,
1973. In 1978, the Gauntlets flew to their new home in Japan with
the USS MIDWAY (CV41) and Carrier Air Wing FIVE. The culmination of
a decade of hard work was evident with the Gauntlets being awarded
the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle Efficiency Award (the “E”), and the Safety
“S ” in 1989. On January 16, 1991 the Gauntlets were the first Prowler squadron to fly a strike against Iraq in support of Operation DESERT STROM. During the 43-day war against Iraq, the Gauntlets flew 466.9 hours in combat and fired 28 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles. The Gauntlets successfully suppressed the enemy’s air defenses ensuring that CVW-5 did not lose a single aircraft to enemy fire. In the spring of 1992, the Gauntlets became the first Prowler squadron to fly in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. For their role in setting up Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, the Gauntlets received the Pacific Fleet Battle “E” award for 1992. In addition, the Gauntlets received the Radford Award for being the best EA-6B squadron in the Navy, the association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. In 1994, Gauntlet proficiency resulted in VAQ-136 being named the “Prowler Squadron of the Year for Tactical Excellence”. In January 1998, they received an emergency, no-notice, deployment order to the Arabian Gulf and just fifteen days after receiving the order, the Gauntlets went from holiday routine, to fully carrier-qualified and underway in support of operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Returning to Japan in August 1998, the Gauntlets received the news that they had won the Safety “S” for the first half of 1998, followed, six months later, by receipt of the 1998 COMNAVAIRPAC Battle “E”. Beginning in May of 2010, the Gauntlets conducted two cruises, conducting operations again along the Korean Peninsula and participating in Exercises INVINCIBLE SPIRIT, VALIANT SHIELD, and KEEN SWORD. In February of 2011, the Gauntlets participated in Exercise COPE NORTH. Shortly afterwards, in March, the squadron conducted a no-notice deployment to Anderson AFB, Guam during Operation TOMODACHI following the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The squadron then deployed onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN73) from June through November of 2011. In January of 2012, the Gauntlets began executing a Home Port Change from Atsugi, Japan to Whidbey Island, Washington, first moving of dependents. The jets, aircrew, and a majority of personnel and equipment followed in February making stops in Wake Island and Hawaii before landing at NAS Whidbey Island. In February of 2013, the Gauntlets were dubbed “Safe for Flight” and received their installment of EA-18G Growlers shortly after. The Gauntlets utilized the added capabilities of the Growler during three Fighter/BFM detachments, as well as an international exercise with a multitude of countries at Mountain Home AFB. VAQ-136 settled in to Carrier Air Wing TWO in late 2013 and embarked with the USS RONALD REGAN (CVN76) for the 2014 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. After a mini-workup cycle in 2015, the Gauntlets left for the Southern Seas Deployment with Carrier Strike Group NINE and Carrier Air Wing TWO onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN73) in support of the U.S. FOURTH Fleet. While deployed, VAQ-136 participated in Multinational UNITAS PAC and LANT exercises with Peru, Chile and Brazil. The Gauntlets returned in December 2015 as CVN 73 was delivered to Norfolk, VA. A new workup cycle began for the Gauntlets in March of 2016. Moving with Carrier Air Wing TWO, the Gauntlets embarked with Carrier Strike Group ONE aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN70) for training that included Tailored Ships Training Availability (TSTA), Air Wing Fallon and Composite Unit Training Exercise (C2X). The Gauntlets departed Naval Air Station North Island in January of 2017 for back to back Western Pacific Deployments aboard CVN 70, during which they participated in patrols of the South China Sea and FOAL EAGLE, a bilateral exercise with the South Korean armed forces. Concluding their deployment phase, the Gauntlets had the opportunity in July of 2018 to integrate with twenty-five other nations in the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). They played a key role in several Large Force Strike exercises providing Suppression of Enemy Air Defense, and were selected to participate in the Technical Cooperation Program Anti-Ship Threat Project Arrangement (TAPA). TAPA is one of the highest priority test events conducted at RIMPAC consisting of a collaboration of defense, science, and technology amongst Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Shortly thereafter, the Gauntlets joined Carrier Air Wing TWO in what was a bittersweet final Sustainment Exercise (SUSTEX) aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN70) before she goes into dry dock for a complete overhaul. Throughout its forty-four year history, VAQ-136 has been committed to excellence, maintaining a prominent position in the Electronic Attack Community. The Gauntlets are proud to continue that commitment and remain dedicated to mission readiness and sailor development. source: VAQ-136 website - - - - - another history: Since establishment in 1973, VAQ-136 has been associated with several Carrier Air Wings. The squadron's first two deployments were with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk. In 1977 the squadron joined CVW-7 aboard USS Independence for a cruise to the Mediterranean, after which the squadron changed to the Improved Capability (ICAP) version of the EA-6B. After the transition to their new aircraft, the squadron deployed to the Mediterranean again, this time with CVW-5 on USS Saratoga. In 1980 the squadron flew across the Pacific Ocean to their new home in NAF Atsugi, Japan with Carrier Air Wing Five and USS Midway, based at Yokosuka. The squadron conducted an 8300 mile cross-deck deployment to USS America in support of Indian Ocean operations in 1983, and a record-setting 111 day Indian Ocean at sea period (101 days out of sight of land) in 1984. In 1987 the Commanding Officer of 136 and his three junior officers Lt John Carter (pilot), Lt Doug Hora and Lt Dave Gibson went missing during a routine night EMCON flight in the Indian Ocean. Commander Justin Greene was on the verge of completing his 1,000th carrier arrestment, his celebration cake was given a respectful deposit at sea uneaten. The plane and officers have never been found. The eulogy during USS Midway's memorial service was delivered by Navy Lieutenant Daniel Shanower who later died (Captain US Navy) on September 11, 2001 at the Pentagon. In 1986, the squadron transitioned to ICAP II aircraft and deployed to support the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea. The squadron was awarded the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle Efficiency "E", and the Safety “S” in 1989. On April 16, 1990, as part of the Cope Thunder exercise, the squadron successfully fired a live AGM-88 HARM missile at a U.S. Air Force target radar off the coast of the Philippines. It was the first AGM-88 fired in WESTPAC and the missile completely destroyed its target. On January 16, 1991 the squadron flew strikes against Iraq in support of Operation Desert Storm. During the 43-day war, the squadron fired 28 AGM-88s against Iraqi air defenses, ensuring that CVW-5 did not lose any aircraft to enemy fire. On August 22, 1991, the squadron cross-decked from USS Midway with CVW-5 to USS Independence at Naval Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In early 1992, the squadron deployed with USS Independence in support of Operation Southern Watch. The squadron received the Pacific Fleet Battle Efficiency "E" award for 1992, the Radford Award for being the best EA-6B squadron in the Navy, the Association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. In 1993 the squadron sailed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. That summer saw the squadron supporting U.S. policy during intense North Korean Contingency Operations. VAQ-136 was named the “Prowler Squadron of the Year for Tactical Excellence” for 1994. The squadron began 1995 with operations in the Yellow Sea before proceeding south to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold off the coast of Thailand. They then moved to the Middle East yet again participating in Operation Southern Watch. The squadron were awarded the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle Efficiency "E", and Safety “S” for 1995. In 1996 VAQ-136 operated in the Yellow Sea, near the Philippines, and around Taiwan to deter Chinese aggression. Early in 1997 USS Independence commenced a four month cruise, transiting to Guam, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and then Hong Kong, the last U.S. carrier to port there before its reversion to Chinese control. In January 1998 the squadron made an emergency, no-notice deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. The squadron returned home for a brief respite before getting underway again in July, this time to Hawaii to cross-deck onto their new home, USS Kitty Hawk. The squadron received the Safety “S” for the first half of 1998. In January 1999, VAQ-136 was awarded the 1998 COMNAVAIRPAC Battle Efficiency "E". On March 2, 1999, VAQ-136 and the Kitty Hawk Battle group departed Yokosuka, Japan for three months of routine operations and exercises in the Western Pacific. The squadron participated in the multi-national and multi-service exercise Tandem Thrust off Guam before USS Kitty Hawk was ordered to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Over the following eleven weeks, the squadron flew 115 combat sorties over the skies of Iraq. When Kitty Hawk pulled into Dubai, UAE, for several days of liberty, the squadron was tasked to provide uninterrupted Electronic Warfare support for coalition aircraft flying from Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB), Saudi Arabia. In 2010, VAQ-136 was awarded the "Battle E" for combat efficiency and the "Golden Wrench" Award for maintenance excellence by Commander, Naval Air Forces. In February 2012, the Navy announced that the squadron would transfer to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in early 2012 to prepare for reequipping with the EA-18G Growler. As of February 2013 they began flying the EA-18G Growler at NAS Whidbey Island with a tail code of "NG". In 2016 they were reassigned to Carrier Air Wing Two and changed to a tail code of "NE". source: wikipedia NOTE: Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons (TACELRON) were redesignated to Electronic Attack Squadrons (VAQRON) on March 30, 1998 |
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