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Military unit From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132), the "Scorpions", is a United States Navy aircraft squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, flying the EA-18G Growler.[6] The squadron's radio callsign is "Scorp".
Electronic Attack Squadron 132 | |
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Active | 1 November 1955 - Present (68 years, 9 months) |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Electronic Attack |
Role | Electronic Warfare |
Part of | ![]() |
Garrison/HQ | ![]() |
Nickname(s) | Scorpions |
Motto(s) | First to the Fleet, First to the Fight |
Colors | #eb2426 #e9e62b |
Mascot(s) | Scorpion |
Engagements | Operation Desert Shield Operation Deny Flight Operation Joint Endeavor Operation Joint Guardian Operation Southern Watch Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation New Dawn Operation Odyssey Dawn Operation Unified Protector Operation Inherent Resolve [1] |
Decorations | Safety "S" (6) Battle "E" (4) Admiral Arthur W. Radford Award Prowler Squadron of the Year Award Golden Anchor Award (2) Silver Anchor Award Foreign Object Damage Excellence (2) [2] |
Website | https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Electronic-Attack-Squadron-VAQ-132/ |
Commanders | |
Commanding Officer | CDR. Nathaniel "Stray" Michael |
Executive Officer | CDR. Kenneth “Kitty” Kapp |
Command Master Chief | CMDCM. Anthony D. Bush |
Insignia | |
Callsign | SCORP[3] |
Modex | 54X[4] |
Tail Code | NL |
Aircraft flown | |
Bomber | KA-3B Skywarrior (1955-1968) |
Electronic warfare | EKA-3B Skywarrior (1968-1971) EA-6B Prowler(1971-2009) EA-18G Growler(2008-Present) [5] |
Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 can trace its history back to Patrol Squadron 911 (VP-911, later VP-29), established in 1946.
In November 1955, VP-29 personnel formed the nucleus of the squadron Heavy Attack Squadron Two (VAH-2) "Royal Rampants" and transitioned to the A3D Skywarrior and changed its homeport the following year to NAS Whidbey Island.
During the Vietnam War detachments from VAH-2 were deployed on the following aircraft carriers operating on Yankee and Dixie Stations:[7]
In November 1968, VAH-2 was redesignated as Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) and transitioned to the EKA-3B. In January 1971, they received the EA-6B Prowler and became the first operational squadron to transition to the new aircraft.[8]
On 7 November 2008, VAQ-132 held their ceremonial last flight in the Grumman EA-6B Prowler and began the transition to the brand-new, Boeing EA-18G Growler in February 2009 with flight certification in mid-2009. Initial operational capability (IOC) was achieved on 22 September 2009, making them the first operational EA-18G squadron.[9]
On 5 August 2009, EA-18Gs from VAQ-132 and Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) completed their first at-sea carrier-arrested landing (trap) aboard USS Harry S. Truman.[10]
The United States Navy's new Boeing EA-18G Growler ( "Grizzly" ) was first used in combat during Operation Odyssey Dawn by supporting efforts to enforce a UN no-fly-zone over Libya.[11] The five EA-18Gs of VAQ-132 "Scorpions" were redeployed from Al' Asad Air Base, Iraq to Aviano Air Base, Italy to support Libya operations.[12]