VAQ-135
Encyclopedia
Electronic Attack Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) is a United States Navy
electronic attack squadron. Known as the Black Ravens, the squadron operates the EA-18G Growler
carrier-based electronic warfare
jet aircraft. The squadron is permanently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
, in Oak Harbor, Washington
on Puget Sound
and deploys as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) on board the . The squadron radio callsign is "Thunder".
, California
, the Black Ravens first flew the Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior
and deployed to both the Atlantic
and Pacific Fleets
.
In 1973, VAQ-135 relocated to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington and transitioned to their present aircraft, the Grumman EA-6B Prowler.
The squadron first deployed with the EA-6B to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean
from January to September 1976 with Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) aboard . Following that deployment, VAQ-135 transitioned to the Improved Capability Prowler (ICAP) and became the first fleet EA-6B ICAP squadron. The squadron deployed with Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) aboard from November 1977 to July 1978 to the Mediterranean Sea
.
In January 1979, VAQ-135 commenced refresher training with Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) aboard and deployed to the Western Pacific in May 1979. During deployment, they received the Navy Expeditionary Medal for operations in the Indian Ocean during the Iranian hostage crisis
, the Meritorious Unit Commendation
, and their first Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award. They again deployed with CVW-15 aboard USS Kitty Hawk from April to November 1981. VAQ-135 participated in several major exercises throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans and received a second Navy Expeditionary Medal
and the Humanitarian Service Medal
for their participation in the rescue of Vietnam
ese refugees.
In 1984, the Black Ravens deployed with USS America and CVW-1 from April until November 1984, receiving their third Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award. In 1985, along with CVW-1 they participated in Ocean Safari ‘85, the largest NATO Naval Exercise to date, and received their second Meritorious Unit Commendation.
On the morning of January 1, 1986, VAQ-135 was “no-notice” deployed to support Sixth Fleet Battle Group operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Within 48 hours, they had sortied from NAS Whidbey Island, joined their new air wing Carrier Air Wing 13 (CVW-13) at sea on board and supported contingency operations underway in the central Mediterranean Sea. For the next five months, with no in theater AIMD or supply support, the squadron provided valuable electronic warfare support to U.S. naval forces operating off the coast of Libya
. The squadron took part in the successful strike action in the Gulf of Sidra
in March 1986 and provided key close-support jamming services in the successful strikes on the Benina/Benghazi airfields in April of that year. As a result, the squadron was awarded two Navy Unit Commendation
s, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
, the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award for 1986.
In November 1986, the Black Ravens were reassigned to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard . In 1987, VAQ-135 completed work-ups with CVW-11 and became the first Prowler squadron to complete the Medium Attack Advanced Readiness Program (MAARP) and the revised EA-6B Defensive Air Combat Maneuvering (DACM) syllabus.
In January 1988, VAQ-135 became the first EA-6B squadron to deploy with five Prowlers. WESTPAC ‘88 marked the return of the squadron to the Seventh Fleet
with USS Enterprise, providing electronic warfare support to U.S. Naval forces operating in the North Arabian Sea. The squadron received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
In April 1988, VAQ-135 participated with CVW-11 and Battle Group Foxtrot in Operation Praying Mantis
, the successful action against Iran
ian naval surface units. The command received the Joint Meritorious Unit Award
, Meritorious Unit Commendation
and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
. In the fall of 1988, the squadron transitioned to the ICAP-II version of the Prowler, acquiring the ability to fire the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile
(HARM).
In September 1989, VAQ-135 deployed aboard Enterprise for an around the world cruise, taking part in PACEX ‘89, the largest naval exercise since World War II
. In January 1990, the squadron participated in Operation Earnest Will
in defense of the Philippine government, resulting in the command receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
, Virginia
, around Cape Horn
to the Lincoln's new homeport of Naval Air Station Alameda
, California
. In May 1991, they deployed to the Western Pacific aboard the Lincoln and participated in Operation Fiery Vigil
, the evacuation of Air Force
and Navy personnel from Subic Bay
, Philippines
. While on station in the Persian Gulf
, the squadron took part in peacetime Operation Desert Storm, Exercise Beacon Flash with Oman
and annual exercise operations with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces. In February 1992, the squadron received the 1991 AIRPAC Safety “S” award in recognition of the squadron’s outstanding safety record of over 12 years and 21,000 hours mishap free.
In the fall of 1992, the RAVENS started another work-up cycle for their second deployment on the Lincoln and participated in the squadron’s first HARM shot over the desert skies of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
.
On June 15, 1993 they deployed to the Western Pacific participating in Operation Southern Watch
, enforcing the southern no-fly zone
in Iraq
where they shot two HARM missiles to protect air wing aircraft from enemy surface to air missiles and received their second Southwest Asia Service Medal. In addition, the squadron participated in Operation Restore Hope, while USS Lincoln was stationed off the coast of Somalia
, receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In November 1993, the squadron celebrated another safety milestone, fourteen years mishap free, just prior to returning home to NAS Whidbey Island.
In April 1995, VAQ-135 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, receiving their third Southwest Asia Service Medal.
The Ravens returned from deployment and started an aggressive 12 month turnaround aboard the USS Kitty Hawk participating in RIMPAC 96’
. The squadron deployed in October 1996 and again participated in Operation Southern Watch receiving their fourth Southwest Asia Service Medal. After returning from deployment in April 1997, the squadron participated in several exercises including Exercise Red Flag.
In February 1998 the squadron was redesignated Electronic Attack Squadron 135, and the aircraft’s side numbers were changed to 500 series. During the summer of 1998 the squadron deployed aboard and participated in RIMPAC ’98.
The squadron deployed to the Western Pacific in November 1998, participating in Operation Southern Watch and Operation Desert Fox
, a four day campaign consisting of several air strikes. The squadron fired two HARM’s supporting air wing strike aircraft. The squadron returned from deployment in May 1999.
In September 1999, the Black Ravens participated in exercises Red Flag and Spirit hawk in preparation for their deployment to Incirlik
, Turkey
in August 2000.
, the CARL VINSON" and CVW-11 took station off of the coast of Pakistan
and conducted air strikes in support of coalition air and ground forces in Afghanistan
during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The squadron returned home in January 2002 and received the Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award, Battle Efficiency Award and the Old Crows Award as the most tactically proficient Prowler squadron.
In March 2003, they deployed aboard the Nimitz and participated in the initial air strikes of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following an extended eight month deployment, supporting two separate contingency operations, the squadron returned home in November 2003.
In July 2004, the Ravens participated in Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment (JEFX) at Nellis Air Force Base
, Las Vegas
, Nevada
, the first of five 2004 detachments in preparation for the 2005 WESTPAC deployment. The squadron completed 2004 with a two-month detachment aboard the Nimitz for TSTA/Computex and received the CVW-11 Golden Wrench for maintenance excellence. In 2005, they continued their high-tempo operations in preparation for their WESTPAC deployment with detachments to Naval Air Station Fallon
, Nevada, Naval Air Station Lemoore
, California, Naval Air Station North Island
, California and several exercises aboard Nimitz.
On May 7, 2005, the Black Ravens deployed aboard Nimitz as part of Carrier Strike Group 11. During the 2005 deployment, VAQ-135 conducted operations in the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf, again participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom from the Persian Gulf and Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, providing critical support to Multi-national Ground Forces in Iraq. The squadron received the CVW-11 / CVN-68 Teamwork Award twice during the deployment, initially for the first line period and again at the end of deployment. Additionally, VAQ-135 received the CVW-11 Golden Wrench Award for deployment, as the finest Maintenance Department in CVW-11.
The Black Ravens departed April 2007, for a six month WESTPAC deployment to include supporting both Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. They returned in early October 2007.
The Black Ravens returned from a subsequent Pacific deployment in June 2008 after a four-and-a-half-month deployment aboard NIMITZ.
On 1 November 2010, VAQ-135 commenced transition from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler
, achieving "safe for flight" designation in the new aircraft on 17 Jun 2011.
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...
electronic attack squadron. Known as the Black Ravens, the squadron operates 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...
carrier-based electronic warfare
Electronic warfare
Electronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
jet aircraft. The squadron is permanently stationed 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....
, in Oak Harbor, Washington
Oak Harbor, Washington
Oak Harbor is a city located on Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington. The population was 22,075 at the 2010 census.Oak Harbor was incorporated on May 14, 1915.-History:Oak Harbor is Whidbey Island's largest incorporated city...
on Puget Sound
Puget Sound
Puget Sound is a sound in the U.S. state of Washington. It is a complex estuarine system of interconnected marine waterways and basins, with one major and one minor connection to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Pacific Ocean — Admiralty Inlet being the major connection and...
and deploys as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) on board the . The squadron radio callsign is "Thunder".
Mission
Provide fully operational EA-18G aircraft to perform unrestricted Electronic Attack as needed throughout the world.Early years
Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Five was established on May 15, 1969 to provide electronic warfare and aerial refueling support to carrier air wings. Homeported at Naval Air Station AlamedaNaval Air Station Alameda
Naval Air Station Alameda was a United States Navy Naval Air Station in Alameda, California, on San Francisco Bay.NAS Alameda had two runways: 07-25 and 13-31...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, the Black Ravens first flew the Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior
A-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 deployed to both the Atlantic
United States Fleet Forces Command
The United States Fleet Forces Command is an Atlantic Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources that are under the operational control of the United States Northern Command...
and Pacific Fleets
United States Pacific Fleet
The United States Pacific Fleet is a Pacific Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources under the operational control of the United States Pacific Command. Its home port is at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii. It is commanded by Admiral Patrick M...
.
In 1973, VAQ-135 relocated to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington and transitioned to their present aircraft, the Grumman EA-6B Prowler.
The squadron first deployed with the EA-6B to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the water on the Earth's surface. It is bounded on the north by the Indian Subcontinent and Arabian Peninsula ; on the west by eastern Africa; on the east by Indochina, the Sunda Islands, and...
from January to September 1976 with Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) aboard . Following that deployment, VAQ-135 transitioned to the Improved Capability Prowler (ICAP) and became the first fleet EA-6B ICAP squadron. The squadron deployed with Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) aboard from November 1977 to July 1978 to the Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Anatolia and Europe, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant...
.
In January 1979, VAQ-135 commenced refresher training with Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) aboard and deployed to the Western Pacific in May 1979. During deployment, they received the Navy Expeditionary Medal for operations in the Indian Ocean during the Iranian hostage crisis
Iran hostage crisis
The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic crisis between Iran and the United States where 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981, after a group of Islamist students and militants took over the American Embassy in Tehran in support of the Iranian...
, the Meritorious Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
, and their first Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award. They again deployed with CVW-15 aboard USS Kitty Hawk from April to November 1981. VAQ-135 participated in several major exercises throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans and received a second Navy Expeditionary Medal
Navy Expeditionary Medal
The Navy Expeditionary Medal is an award of the United States Navy which was first created in August 1936 by General Orders of the Department of the Navy...
and the Humanitarian Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
The Humanitarian Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States armed forces which was created on January 19, 1977 by President Gerald Ford under...
for their participation in the rescue of Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
ese refugees.
1980s
In May 1982, the VAQ-135 were assigned to the and Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1). After completing work-ups, the Black Ravens received word to transfer to and deploy to the Mediterranean Sea in November 1982 later receiving their second Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award.In 1984, the Black Ravens deployed with USS America and CVW-1 from April until November 1984, receiving their third Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award. In 1985, along with CVW-1 they participated in Ocean Safari ‘85, the largest NATO Naval Exercise to date, and received their second Meritorious Unit Commendation.
On the morning of January 1, 1986, VAQ-135 was “no-notice” deployed to support Sixth Fleet Battle Group operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Within 48 hours, they had sortied from NAS Whidbey Island, joined their new air wing Carrier Air Wing 13 (CVW-13) at sea on board and supported contingency operations underway in the central Mediterranean Sea. For the next five months, with no in theater AIMD or supply support, the squadron provided valuable electronic warfare support to U.S. naval forces operating off the coast of 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 squadron took part in the successful strike action in the Gulf of Sidra
Action in the Gulf of Sidra (1986)
In the Action in the Gulf of Sidra, the United States Navy deployed aircraft carrier groups in the disputed Gulf of Sidra in the Mediterranean Sea. Libya claimed that the entire Gulf was their territory, at 32° 30' N, with an exclusive fishing zone. Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi asserted this...
in March 1986 and provided key close-support jamming services in the successful strikes on the Benina/Benghazi airfields in April of that year. As a result, the squadron was awarded two Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Unit Commendation
The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944...
s, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy...
, the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award for 1986.
In November 1986, the Black Ravens were reassigned to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard . In 1987, VAQ-135 completed work-ups with CVW-11 and became the first Prowler squadron to complete the Medium Attack Advanced Readiness Program (MAARP) and the revised EA-6B Defensive Air Combat Maneuvering (DACM) syllabus.
In January 1988, VAQ-135 became the first EA-6B squadron to deploy with five Prowlers. WESTPAC ‘88 marked the return of the squadron to the Seventh Fleet
United States Seventh Fleet
The Seventh Fleet is the United States Navy's permanent forward projection force based in Yokosuka, Japan, with units positioned near Japan and South Korea. It is a component fleet force under the United States Pacific Fleet. At present, it is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with...
with USS Enterprise, providing electronic warfare support to U.S. Naval forces operating in the North Arabian Sea. The squadron received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
In April 1988, VAQ-135 participated with CVW-11 and Battle Group Foxtrot in Operation Praying Mantis
Operation Praying Mantis
Operation Praying Mantis was an attack on April 18, 1988, by U.S. naval forces within Iranian territorial waters in retaliation for the Iranian mining of the Persian Gulf during the Iran Iraq war and the subsequent damage to an American warship....
, the successful action against Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
ian naval surface units. The command received the Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is a military award that was established on June 4, 1981 by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and was implemented by Department of Defense Directive 1348.27 dated July 22, 1982...
, Meritorious Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy...
. In the fall of 1988, the squadron transitioned to the ICAP-II version of the Prowler, acquiring the ability to fire the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile
AGM-88 HARM
The AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile is a tactical, air-to-surface missile designed to home in on electronic transmissions coming from surface-to-air radar systems. It was originally developed by Texas Instruments as a replacement for the AGM-45 Shrike and AGM-78 Standard ARM system...
(HARM).
In September 1989, VAQ-135 deployed aboard Enterprise for an around the world cruise, taking part in PACEX ‘89, the largest naval exercise since World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. In January 1990, the squadron participated in Operation Earnest Will
Operation Earnest Will
Operation Earnest Will was the U.S. military protection of Kuwaiti owned tankers from Iranian attacks in 1987 and 1988, three years into the Tanker War phase of the Iran–Iraq War. It was the largest naval convoy operation since World War II.The U.S. Navy warships that escorted the tankers, part of...
in defense of the Philippine government, resulting in the command receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
1990s
In September 1990, the Black Ravens deployed aboard . Their two month maiden voyage took them from Naval Station NorfolkNaval Station Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia, is a base of the United States Navy, supporting naval forces in the United States Fleet Forces Command, those operating in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, around Cape Horn
Cape Horn
Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile, and is located on the small Hornos Island...
to the Lincoln's new homeport of Naval Air Station Alameda
Naval Air Station Alameda
Naval Air Station Alameda was a United States Navy Naval Air Station in Alameda, California, on San Francisco Bay.NAS Alameda had two runways: 07-25 and 13-31...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. In May 1991, they deployed to the Western Pacific aboard the Lincoln and participated in Operation Fiery Vigil
Operation Fiery Vigil
Operation Fiery Vigil was the emergency evacuation of all non-essential military and United States Department of Defense civilian personnel and their dependents from Clark Air Base and U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay during the June 1991 volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines...
, the evacuation of Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
and Navy personnel from Subic Bay
U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay
U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay was a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the United States Navy located in Zambales, Philippines. It was the largest U.S...
, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. While on station in the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
, the squadron took part in peacetime Operation Desert Storm, Exercise Beacon Flash with Oman
Oman
Oman , officially called the Sultanate of Oman , is an Arab state in southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the...
and annual exercise operations with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces. In February 1992, the squadron received the 1991 AIRPAC Safety “S” award in recognition of the squadron’s outstanding safety record of over 12 years and 21,000 hours mishap free.
In the fall of 1992, the RAVENS started another work-up cycle for their second deployment on the Lincoln and participated in the squadron’s first HARM shot over the desert skies of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
- About : is part of under Commander, Navy Installation Command and is located in the Western Mojave Desert region of California, approximately north of Los Angeles. Occupying three counties – Kern, San Bernardino and Inyo – the installation’s closest neighbors are the cities of Ridgecrest,...
.
On June 15, 1993 they deployed to the Western Pacific participating in Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch was an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Southwest Asia with the mission of monitoring and controlling airspace south of the 32nd Parallel in Iraq, following the 1991 Gulf War until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.-Summary:Operation Southern Watch began on 27 August 1992...
, enforcing the southern no-fly zone
Iraqi no-fly zones
The Iraqi no-fly zones were a set of two separate no-fly zones , and were proclaimed by the United States, United Kingdom and France after the Gulf War of 1991 to protect the Kurdish people in northern Iraq and Shiite Muslims in the south. Iraqi aircraft were forbidden from flying inside the zones...
in Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
where they shot two HARM missiles to protect air wing aircraft from enemy surface to air missiles and received their second Southwest Asia Service Medal. In addition, the squadron participated in Operation Restore Hope, while USS Lincoln was stationed off the coast of Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
, receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In November 1993, the squadron celebrated another safety milestone, fourteen years mishap free, just prior to returning home to NAS Whidbey Island.
In April 1995, VAQ-135 deployed to the Western pacific on board the Lincoln participating in Exercise Inspired Alert with the Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
, Exercise Nautical Artist , an exercise with Saudi
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
Air
Royal Saudi Air Force
The Royal Saudi Air Force , is the aviation branch of the Saudi Arabian armed forces. The RSAF has developed from a largely defensive military force into one with an advanced offensive capability...
and Naval Forces and Operation Southern Watch, receiving their third Southwest Asia Service Medal.
The Ravens returned from deployment and started an aggressive 12 month turnaround aboard the USS Kitty Hawk participating in RIMPAC 96’
RIMPAC
RIMPAC, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, is the world's largest international maritime exercise. Conducted biennially , it is hosted and administered by the United States Navy, with the United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, and Hawaii National Guard forces under the leadership of...
. The squadron deployed in October 1996 and again participated in Operation Southern Watch receiving their fourth Southwest Asia Service Medal. After returning from deployment in April 1997, the squadron participated in several exercises including Exercise Red Flag.
In February 1998 the squadron was redesignated Electronic Attack Squadron 135, and the aircraft’s side numbers were changed to 500 series. During the summer of 1998 the squadron deployed aboard and participated in RIMPAC ’98.
The squadron deployed to the Western Pacific in November 1998, participating in Operation Southern Watch and Operation Desert Fox
Operation Desert Fox
The December 1998 bombing of Iraq was a major four-day bombing campaign on Iraqi targets from December 16–19, 1998 by the United States and United Kingdom...
, a four day campaign consisting of several air strikes. The squadron fired two HARM’s supporting air wing strike aircraft. The squadron returned from deployment in May 1999.
In September 1999, the Black Ravens participated in exercises Red Flag and Spirit hawk in preparation for their deployment to Incirlik
Incirlik Air Base
The Incirlik Air Base is located in İncirlik, five miles east of Adana, Turkey's fifth largest city, and from the Mediterranean Sea.The U.S...
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
in August 2000.
2000s
From May through July 2000, the Black Ravens successfully flew missions in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH on station at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey while supporting in a Joint Expeditionary role for Commander Electronic Attack Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet. In March 2001, the squadron deployed to the Western Pacific in support of Operation Southern Watch. Following the September 11, 2001 attacksSeptember 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
, the CARL VINSON" and CVW-11 took station off of the coast of Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
and conducted air strikes in support of coalition air and ground forces in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The squadron returned home in January 2002 and received the Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award, Battle Efficiency Award and the Old Crows Award as the most tactically proficient Prowler squadron.
In March 2003, they deployed aboard the Nimitz and participated in the initial air strikes of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following an extended eight month deployment, supporting two separate contingency operations, the squadron returned home in November 2003.
In July 2004, the Ravens participated in Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment (JEFX) at Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is under the jurisdiction of Air Combat Command .-Overview:...
, Las Vegas
Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
, the first of five 2004 detachments in preparation for the 2005 WESTPAC deployment. The squadron completed 2004 with a two-month detachment aboard the Nimitz for TSTA/Computex and received the CVW-11 Golden Wrench for maintenance excellence. In 2005, they continued their high-tempo operations in preparation for their WESTPAC deployment with detachments to Naval Air Station Fallon
Naval Air Station Fallon
Naval Air Station Fallon or NAS Fallon is the United States Navy's premier air-to-air and air-to-ground training facility. It is located southeast of the city of Fallon in western Nevada in the United States. Since 1996, it has been home to the Naval Fighter Weapons School , and the surrounding...
, Nevada, Naval Air Station Lemoore
Naval Air Station Lemoore
Naval Air Station Lemoore or NAS Lemoore is a United States Navy base, located in Kings County and Fresno County, California. Lemoore Station, California, a census-designated place, is located inside the base's borders....
, California, Naval Air Station North Island
Naval Air Station North Island
Naval Air Station North Island or NAS North Island is located at the north end of the Coronado peninsula on San Diego Bay and is the home port of several aircraft carriers of the United States Navy...
, California and several exercises aboard Nimitz.
On May 7, 2005, the Black Ravens deployed aboard Nimitz as part of Carrier Strike Group 11. During the 2005 deployment, VAQ-135 conducted operations in the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf, again participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom from the Persian Gulf and Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, providing critical support to Multi-national Ground Forces in Iraq. The squadron received the CVW-11 / CVN-68 Teamwork Award twice during the deployment, initially for the first line period and again at the end of deployment. Additionally, VAQ-135 received the CVW-11 Golden Wrench Award for deployment, as the finest Maintenance Department in CVW-11.
The Black Ravens departed April 2007, for a six month WESTPAC deployment to include supporting both Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. They returned in early October 2007.
The Black Ravens returned from a subsequent Pacific deployment in June 2008 after a four-and-a-half-month deployment aboard NIMITZ.
On 1 November 2010, VAQ-135 commenced transition from the EA-6B Prowler to 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...
, achieving "safe for flight" designation in the new aircraft on 17 Jun 2011.
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