VAQ-135
| Electronic Attack Squadron 135 | |
|---|---|
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VAQ-135 insignia
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| Active | May 15, 1969 - present |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Role | Airborne Electronic Attack |
| Part of | Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Whidbey Island |
| Nickname(s) | Black Ravens |
| Engagements |
Operation El Dorado Canyon Operation Southern Watch Operation Desert Fox Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003 invasion of Iraq |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Commander Mike Lisa |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Electronic warfare |
EA-3B Skywarrior EA-6B Prowler EA-18G Growler |
Electronic Attack Squadron 135 (VAQ-135), known as the "Black Ravens", is a United States Navy electronic attack squadron that currently operates the EA-18G Growler carrier-based electronic warfare jet aircraft. The squadron is permanently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island with a radio callsign of "Thunder".
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. It was stationed at Naval Air Station Alameda. The squadron first flew the EKA-3B Skywarrior and deployed to both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.
In 1973, VAQ-135 relocated to NAS Whidbey Island and transitioned to the Grumman EA-6B Prowler.
The squadron first deployed with the EA-6B to the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and the Indian Ocean from January to September 1976 with Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) aboard USS Ranger. 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 USS Nimitz from November 1977 to July 1978 to the Mediterranean Sea.
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