VAQ-132
Encyclopedia
Electronic Attack Squadron (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
and are attached to Carrier Air Wing 17. The squadron's radio callsign is "Scorp".
and changed its homeport the following year to NAS Whidbey Island. Then in November 1968, VAH-2 was redesignated as Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Two (VAQ-132) and transitioned to the EKA-3B. In January of 1971, the Scorpions received the EA-6B Prowler and became the first operational squadron to transition to the new aircraft.
On November 7th, 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 of 2009 with flight certification in the Summer of 2009. Initial operational capability (IOC) was achieved on September 22. 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 .
The EA-18G was first used in combat during Operation Odyssey Dawn
by supporting efforts to enforce a UN no-fly-zone over Libya
. The five EA-18Gs of VAQ-132 were redeployed from Iraq to Italy to support Libya operations.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
aircraft squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is a naval air station located in two sections around Oak Harbor, Washington, USA. It was commissioned as an active U.S. Navy installation on 21 September 1942....
. The Scorpions fly the EA-18G Growler
EA-18G Growler
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is an American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The EA-18G will replace the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowlers in service with the United States Navy. The Growler's electronic warfare capability is...
and are attached to Carrier Air Wing 17. The squadron's radio callsign is "Scorp".
History
Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Two can trace its history all the way back to Patrol Squadron Twenty Nine (VP-29). In April 1957, the squadron was redesignated as Heavy Attack Squadron Two (VAH-2) and transitioned to the A-3D SkywarriorA-3 Skywarrior
The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior was originally designed as a strategic bomber for the United States Navy and was among the longest serving carrier-based jet aircraft in history. It entered service in the mid-1950s and was retired in 1991...
and changed its homeport the following year to NAS Whidbey Island. Then in November 1968, VAH-2 was redesignated as Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Two (VAQ-132) and transitioned to the EKA-3B. In January of 1971, the Scorpions received the EA-6B Prowler and became the first operational squadron to transition to the new aircraft.
On November 7th, 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 of 2009 with flight certification in the Summer of 2009. Initial operational capability (IOC) was achieved on September 22. 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)
VAQ-129
Electronic Attack Squadron One Two Nine is the United States Navy and Marine Corps' only EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler training squadron. Known as the Vikings, they are a Fleet Replacement Squadron, or FRS, and are charged with training all EA-6B and EA-18G aviators and developing standard...
completed their first at-sea carrier-arrested landing (trap) aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier .
The EA-18G was first used in combat during Operation Odyssey Dawn
Operation Odyssey Dawn
Operation Odyssey Dawn was the U.S. code name for the US part of the international military operation in Libya to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. during the initial period of 19–31 March 2011, which continued afterwards under NATO command as Operation Unified Protector...
by supporting efforts to enforce a UN no-fly-zone over Libya
Libya
Libya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
. The five EA-18Gs of VAQ-132 were redeployed from Iraq to Italy to support Libya operations.
External links
See also
- History of the United States NavyHistory of the United States NavyThe history of the United States Navy divides into two major periods: the "Old Navy", a small but respected force of sailing ships that was also notable for innovation in the use of ironclads during the American Civil War, and the "New Navy", the result of a modernization effort that began in the...
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons