VAQ-134

Electronic Attack Squadron 134 (VAQ-134), also known as the "Garudas", is a United States Navy EA-18G Growler squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Electronic Attack Squadron 134
VAQ-134 insignia
Active7 June 1969
CountryUnited States of America
Branch United States Navy
RoleAirborne Electronic Attack
Garrison/HQNaval Air Station Whidbey Island
Nickname(s)Garudas
Commanders
Commanding officerCommander Jonathan L. Jackson
Executive OfficerCommander Gregory D. Byers
Aircraft flown
AttackEKA-3B Skywarrior
EA-6B Prowler EA-18G

Squadron History

1970s

Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-134) was originally established on June 7, 1969 at Naval Air Station Alameda, California, flying the EKA-3B Skywarrior. VAQ-134 stood down in July 1971 and moved to its current homeport, NAS Whidbey Island. In 1972, the squadron received the EA-6B Prowler and became the Navy's third operational Prowler squadron.[1] In September 1977, the squadron received the newer Improved Capability (ICAP I) version of the EA-6B Prowler. 2 years later, in 1979, the squadron moved to the CVW-8 in the Atlantic onboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) for a deployment[2]. It was during this deployment that the squadron took part in the failed rescue attempt of American hostages in Iran[3]. Late that year, the squadron celebrated 10 years of flying mishap free[2].

1980s

The VAQ-134 moved back to the pacific deploying aboard the USS Constellation (CV-64) as part of CVW-9 in the Indian Ocean in 1982. This included taking part in exercises with the USS Midway (CV-41) and the USS Ranger (CV-61). Starting from September 1982, VAQ-134 would join Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) for 13 years[2]. On March 1 1983, the air wing and VAQ-134 deployed for the first cruise of the new Nimitz class carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) around the world which lasted until October 29[4].

A VAQ-134 EA-6B refueling from a KA-6D from VA-165, 1982.

CVW-15 and VAQ-134 later make six more deployments on the Carl Vinson which included taking part in RIMPAC 84' and 86'[2] as well as PACEX 89', the largest fleet exercise since World War II. Before PACEX 89' the squadron transitioned to ICAP II Prowler in early 1989 which allowed them to fire the AGM-88 HARM missile. Later during PACEX 89' they would become the first carrier deployed prowler squadron to fire one[2].

1990s

After 1990, the squadron and CVW-15 moved to the older USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) between 1991 and 1994, they made three deployments. In 1991, the squadron won "Top Hook" award for best landing grades during the cruise Kitty Hawk made when moving from Norfolk on the Atlantic side to San Diego on the Pacific side, dubbed the "Around the Horn" cruise[2].

In 1993, during operations as part of Operation Southern Watch, the squadron fired the AGM-88 HARM in combat for the first time. The last deployment with CVW-15 in June to December 1994 included passing through the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan and Western Pacific as well as the KEEN EDGE, ANNUAL EX and TANDEM THRUST exercises. On the 17th of December, the squadron celebrated yet another milestone passing 34,000 hours and 24 years without mishap before returning home on the 22nd[2].

On March 31 1995, after 26 years of service, VAQ-134 was disestablished for the first time along with CVW-15.[4] The squadron would however be recommissioned again, this being called upon to deploy to MCAS Iwakuni in Japan as the U.S. Air Force retired the EF-111 Raven. In 1999, the Garudas took part in Operation Allied Force against Serbia while stationed in Italy[2].

2000s and 2010s

During 2003, the squadron moved to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey to take part in Operation Northern Watch. This however was short lived as Operation Iraqi Freedom came about, in which the squadron took part in[2].

An EA-18G Growler of VAQ-134 landing at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas in 2017. Note the tail code is the same as the former CVW-15 that VAQ-134 was once part of.

In December 2010, VAQ-134 deployed on a carrier for the first time in 10 years while onboard the Carl Vinson again[2].

The EA-6B was originally going to be replaced by the EA-18G in early 2015,[5] and the last deployment with the EA-6B was on USS George H.W. Bush in 2014. This transition however came in 2016 and after this, VAQ-134 deployed to Pacific as a expeditionary squadron. In 2017, they took part in Red Flag at Nellis as well as being stationed at Misawa AFB in Japan with the 35th Fighter Wing of the USAF[2].

gollark: You have a big heat-absorbent panel above you, which heats water, which boils steam, which drives turbines which spin the wheels.
gollark: Why not solar thermal?
gollark: The batteries should be made to explode on impact then.
gollark: Are there *any downsides*?
gollark: Plus, the recoil propels you forward!

References
  1. Garuda History
  2. "History". www.public.navy.mil. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
  3. All Hands. Bureau of Naval Personnel. 1980.
  4. "CVW-15(NL)". gonavy.jp. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
  5. BURGESS, RICHARD (25 October 2014). "Navy Delays Formation of Expeditionary EA-18G Squadron". Archived from the original on 25 October 2014.

See also


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