VAQ-132

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Lua error in Module:Infobox at line 235: malformed pattern (missing ']'). Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132), the "Scorpions", is a United States Navy aircraft squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The Scorpions fly the EA-18G Growler.[1] The squadron's radio callsign is "Scorp".

History

File:RA-5C RVAH-5 and A-3B VAH-2 on USS Ranger (CVA-61) 1965.jpeg
VAH-3 Douglas A-3 Skywarrior on USS Ranger in 1965
File:EA-18G VAQ-132 CAG Bird in flight 2009.jpg
An EA-18G of VAQ-132 in 2009

Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 can trace its history all the way back to Patrol Squadron 911 (VP-911, later VP-29), established in 1946.

VAH-2

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:[2]

  • 5 August 1964 – 6 May 1965, Detachment M A-3Bs were embarked on USS Ranger
  • 7 December 1964 – 1 November 1965, A-3Bs were embarked on USS Coral Sea
  • 10 December 1965 – 25 August 1966, Detachment F A-3Bs were embarked on USS Ranger
  • 29 July 1966 – 23 February 1967, Detachment A A-3Bs were embarked on USS Coral Sea
  • 19 November 1966 – 6 July 1967, Detachment M A-3Bs were embarked on USS Enterprise
  • 26 July 1967 – 6 April 1968, KA-3Bs were embarked on USS Coral Sea
  • 4 November 1967 – 25 May 1968, Detachment 61 KA-3Bs were embarked on USS Ranger
  • 3 January-18 July 1968, Detachment 65 KA-3Bs were embarked on USS Enterprise
  • 29 May 1968 – 31 January 1969, Detachment 64 KA-3Bs were embarked on USS Constellation

VAQ-132

Then in November 1968, VAH-2 was redesignated as Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) and transitioned to the EKA-3B. In January 1971, the Scorpions received the EA-6B Prowler and became the first operational squadron to transition to the new aircraft.[3]

On 7 November 2008, VAQ-132 held their ceremonial last flight in the Grumman EA-6B Prowler. They began the transition to the brand-new, Boeing EA-18G Growler in February 2009 with flight certification in the Summer of 2009. Initial operational capability (IOC) was achieved on September 22.[4] The Scorpions were the first operational squadron to transition to the EA-18G.

On 5 August 2009, EA-18G Growlers from VAQ-132 and Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) completed their first at-sea carrier-arrested landing (trap) aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).[5]

The EA-18G was first used in combat during Operation Odyssey Dawn by supporting efforts to enforce a UN no-fly-zone over Libya.[6] The five EA-18Gs of VAQ-132 were redeployed from Iraq to Italy to support Libya operations.[7]

References

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External links

See also

  1. ↑ Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadrons
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-132) GlobalSecurity.org
  4. ↑ EA-18G Cleared for Full Rate Production
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Allied Forces Attack Libya, Wall Street Journal, March 20, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Roughead: Ships Were Ready for Odyssey Dawn". American Forces Press Service (US Navy), 23 March 2011.
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