VAQ-139

Electronic Attack Squadron 139
VAQ-139 insignia
Active	July 1, 1983
Country	United States of America
Branch	United States Navy
Role	Airborne Electronic Attack
Part of	CVW-17
Motto(s)	Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum If you want peace, prepare for war
Commanders
Current commander	Commander William"Kid" Fraser
Aircraft flown
Attack	EA-6B Prowler EA-18G Growler

Electronic Attack Squadron 139 (VAQ-139), also known as the "Cougars", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy. They specialize in electronic attack and are currently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

VAQ-139 became operational on 1 July 1983 under the command of Commander Richard A. Clark at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. The squadron participated in numerous exercises during their first year of operation. In 1985, the squadron embarked on their inaugural deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean onboard USS Constellation as part of Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14).

In 1986, the squadron won the "triple crown" of the EA-6B Prowler community by winning the 1985 CNO Aviation Safety "S" Award, first place in the 1986 Battle Readiness Competition, and the 1985-86 Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Battle "E" Award. In 1987, the squadron earned a second CNO Safety "S", a Navy Unit Commendation and the Battle E for the squadron's second consecutive award. 1988 concluded with the squadron beginning their third Western Pacific / Indian Ocean deployment since their establishment.

After moving to USS Independence in late 1989, the squadron deployed in June 1990 on their fourth Western Pacific / Indian Ocean deployment. They were among the first U.S. forces responding to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait during Operation Desert Shield. The squadron led numerous missions deep into the Persian Gulf and significantly contributed to contingency planning in anticipation of Operation Desert Storm.

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Wikipedia