In april 1995, vaq5 deployed to the western pacific on board the lincoln participating in exercise inspired alert with the pakistan air force, exercise nautical artist, an exercise with saudi air and naval forces and operation southern watch. Gulf war carrier deployments naval history and heritage. On 15 january 1971 a new chapter in the history of vaq 2 began as the squadron transitioned to the new ea6b prowler aircraft at nas whidbey island. Vaq is the oldest electronic warfare squadron in the u. There were about 25 of us, lcdr steve land was the oic, chief mike selke was the hmfic chief in charge ad1 mike colhour was the lpo. If you are interested in finding out more about the vaq3 wizards, the ea18g growler, or the united states navy, or would like to receive squadron paraphernalia, please contact our public affairs officer either by mail, phone or email. In august 1971, the wizards relocated to nas whidbey island. The squadron is located in beautiful oak harbor, washington on board naval air station whidbey island. The items shown here are from my own personal collection or were submitted by others for viewing on this site. Uss independence cv 62 mediterranean cruise book 197475. Vpnavy has attempted to collect every available piece of information via the internet. Vaq4 was originally commissioned on 7 june 1969 at nas alameda, california as the garudas. Constellation cv 64 naval cruise book, class of 1978, page 36 of 336 has the largest online yearbook collection of college, university, high school, middle school, junior high school, military, naval cruise books and yearbooks.
Carrier deployments for westpac and vietnam 19641975. Shortly thereafter, in september, the zappers supported vaq2 in one of their final detachments as a prowler squadron for red flag at nellis afb. Vah2 edit in november 1955, vp29 personnel formed the nucleus of the squadron heavy attack squadron two vah2 royal rampants and transitioned to the a3d skywarrior and changed its homeport the following year to nas whidbey island. Part of carrier air wing 3, the zappers deploy aboard the aircraft carrier uss harry s. Serving the united states navy and united states air force, the vikings of vaq129 train freshly pinned naval aviators and naval flight officers. Cdr halpern completed two deployments, the first to bagram, afghanistan in support of operation enduring freedom and the second to iwakuni, japan. To see what the scorpions are up to now, head over to our facebook page. Vaq129 is the united states navys fleet replenishment squadron for ea18g growlers. A new chapter in the history of electronic warfare began in january 1971 as vaq 2 became the first operational squadron to transition to the. Tactical electronic warfare squadron one three two was originally designated patrol squadron twenty nine vp29 flying the p2v neptune at naval air station north island, california. On january 15, 1971, vaq2 moved to nas whidbey island, washington, and soon thereafter transitioned to the ea6b. This second book in the new combat edge series from sam publications deals with the us navy and marine corps ea6b prowler. Uss independence cv 62 mediterranean cruise book 197475 did you serve aboard uss independence cv 62. Established as vah2 on 1 november 1955 redesignated vaq2 on 1 november 1968 insignia approved.
Constellation cv 64 naval cruise book, class of 1978. Navy asw patrol squadrons is posted with permission on pages dedicated to each respective squadron. The standards we set for ourselves are quite high and your professional and physical readiness will be an integral part of vaq2. Electronic attack squadron 2 vaq2, the scorpions, is a united states navy aircraft squadron based at naval air station whidbey island, flying the ea 18g growler. We are recognized as a combat ready, cando squadron that is well respected by both military and local civilian communities. Placesoak harbor, washingtoncommunity organizationarmed forcesvaq 2 scorpions. Four ea18g growlers from vaq2 left nas whidbey island in march. I reported for duty with det vaq34 nas point mugu, california on october 15, 1982 as an airman apprentice. Vaq3 eka3b, 1971 vaq3 ea6b, 2005 the current squadron, electronic attack squadron 3 is the second squadron to use that designation. Vaq129 also provides continuing education for aviators and nfos who have been to the fleet. Vpnavy vaq4 history summary page vp patrol squadron. Vaq2 aircraft launched off the ship in the caribbean, prior to the ship reaching norfolk, and flew home to nas alameda, california. From 1956 to 1995 this was the tail code of carrier air wing 15 cvw15 august 2005.
In january 1971, the scorpions received the ea6b prowler and became the first operational squadron to transition to the new aircraft. Navy grumman ea6b prowler buno 158808 from tactical electronic warfare squadron 2 vaq2 scorpions aboard the aircraft. Electronic attack squadron 2, the scorpions, can trace its history all the way back. On 15 january 1971 a new chapter in the history of vaq2 began as the squadron transitioned to the new ea6b prowler aircraft at nas whidbey island. Electronic attack squadron 3 vaq3 was established 4 march 1969 at naval air station alameda, california. Electronic warfare squadron 2 can trace its history all the way back to patrol squadron 911 vp911, later vp29, established in 1946. In april 1972, the scorpions departed for westpac as part of attack carrier air wing eight aboard uss america cva 66.
The squadron is permanently stationed at naval air. Mar 17, 2016 boeing ea18g growler, vaq2 scorpions shigeo koike stay safe and healthy. By interstate 5, from either the south or north, take exit 230 in burlington and continue west on state route 20 onto the island across deception pass bridge. For anyone interested in obtaining ea6b prowler memorabilia, ebay always has much to offer. Then in november 1968, vah2 was redesignated as tactical electronic warfare squadron 2 vaq2 and transitioned to the eka3b. Electronic attack squadron vaq, also known as the zappers, is an ea18g growler squadron of the united states navy based aboard naval air station whidbey island. You will be joining a team of highly trained and dedicated men and women. In november 1968, vah2 was redesignated as tactical electronic warfare squadron 2 vaq2 and transitioned to the eka3b.
In january 1971, they received the ea6b prowler and became the first operational squadron to transition to the new aircraft. The book has a beautiful cover shot in glossy relief of a prowler coming right at you. Electronic attack squadron 2 vaq2 is an aviation unit of the united states navy. To learn about the freedom of information act, visit the navy foia web page. In 2011, the scorpions once again made growler history as they became the first to.
Ea18g growler cruise video from the vaq zappers oir deployment in 2016 0. Navy web site has been approved by the vaq public affairs officer andor information systems security manager. Operationally we are attached to commander electronic attack wing us pacific fleet cvwp. Known as the vikings, they are a fleet replacement squadron, or frs, and are charged with training all ea18g aviators and developing standard operating procedures for the maintenance and operation of the aircraft. Vaq2 began the transition to the boeing ea18g growler in february. Uss saratoga cv 60 mediterranean cruise book 1992 vaq2. For questions, corrections, or suggestions, please contact the vaq webmaster. In transit, the aircrew had the opportunity to meet with some great americans and show off our awesome jet. Upon entering oak harbor eight miles from deception pass bridge, take a right on ault field road and another right at langley blvd. It was established on 1 april 1996 as a land based expeditionary squadron flying the ea6b prowler. Your sponsor, along with this website, should be able to answer any questions you may have regarding your transfer to vaq2 and getting to naval air station whidbey island. Electronic attack squadron 1 vaq 1, also known as the lancers, is a united states navy tactical jet aircraft squadron specializing in kinetic and nonkinetic suppression of enemy air defenses sead. They are based at naval air station whidbey island, flying the ea18g growler and are part of carrier air wing 8, deploying aboard uss george h.
Throughout its fortyfour year history, vaq6 has been committed to excellence, maintaining a prominent position in the electronic attack community. Upon completion of the frs he reported to the gray wolves of vaq142 in 2003. Kennedy cv 67 with cvw3 tail code ac, 15 aug 199028 mar 1991. Based on an old hindu myth, the garuda is the bird that took wisnu, the god of war, wherever necessary in his quest to protect gods creation from those evil forces that sought to upset and destroy it. Tactical electronic warfare squadron 2 us navy inisgnia. Shortly after, the zappers completed a carrier qualification detachment supporting vaq129 on the uss john c. Registration and communicating with shipmates at is free forever.
Providing electronic attack support to us naval fleet forces for over 35 years. Designated a naval flight officer in 2002, he reported to vaq129 for initial ea6b prowler training. In august 1971, it relocated to nas whidbey island and transitioned to the ea6b prowler. On saturday, 3 november, we had the privilege of participating in a flyover of the navycincinnati football game in conjunction with vfa32. Welcome aboard and congratulations on your assignment to the world famous black ravens of electronic attack squadron one three five vaq5. The history of electronic attack squadron one four zero is studded with exceptional accomplishments and proud traditions. A new chapter in the history of electronic warfare began in january 1971 as vaq2 became the first operational squadron to transition to the new ea6b prowler at nas whidbey island.
From january 1969 to december 1970, vaq 2 completed workups with uss enterprise cvan 65 and eventually made a combat cruise with uss america cva 66, homeported in norfolk, virginia. World famous scorpions of electronic attack squadron one three two vaq2. The first squadron was established 4 march 1969 at naval air station alameda, california. The book covers the history and development of the prowler, its operational history as well as a walk around and beautiful color profiles. In november 1968, vah2 was redesignated tactical electronic warfare squadron one three two vaq2, transitioning to the eka3b at nas whidbey. Electronic attack squadron 2 vaq2, the scorpions, is a united states navy aircraft squadron based at naval air station whidbey island, flying the ea18g growler. The gauntlets are proud to continue that commitment and remain dedicated to mission readiness and sailor development. Completed in three legs, the flight was one for the history books. Overall, this one is worth a read for any fan of history. As a premier navy front line electronic attack squadron, the patriots have participated in 16 overseas deployments. Back to uss saratoga cv 60 mediterranean cruise book 1992 page. Forrestal cva 59 naval cruise book, class of 1988, page 425 of 552 has the largest online yearbook collection of college, university, high school, middle school, junior high school, military, naval cruise books and yearbooks. Vaq2 brings first growlers to pacific home kitsap sun.
Vaq2, otherwise known as the scorpions, borrowed a vaq9. Navy between 2011 and 2012, the following awesome video brings you along the military training routes in washington state, where ea18g. Electronic attack squadron 129 vaq129 is the united states navys only ea18g growler training squadron. Vpnavy is dedicated to the men and women of the united states navy flying asw vpvpb patrol aircraft past and present. In april 1957, the squadron was redesignated heavy attack squadron two vah2 and transitioned to the a3d skywarrior.
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