VAW-13
| Electronic Attack Squadron 130 | |
|---|---|
VAQ-130 insignia
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|
| Active | September 1, 1959 - Present |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Role | Airborne Electronic Attack |
| Part of | Carrier Air Wing 3 |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Whidbey Island |
| Nickname(s) | Zappers |
| Motto(s) | "We Can Hack It" |
| Mascot(s) | Robbie the Dragon |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
CDR Brendan R. Stickles |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack |
AD-5Q/EA-1F Skyraider EKA-3B Skywarrior EA-6B Prowler EA-18G Growler |
Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130), also known as the "Zappers", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy based aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Part of Carrier Air Wing 3, the Zappers deploy aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). VAQ-130 is the oldest electronic warfare squadron in the U.S. Navy.
The squadron was originally commissioned as Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirteen (VAW-13) flying AD-5Qs in 1959.
During the Vietnam War detachments from VAW-13 were deployed on the following aircraft carriers operating on Yankee and Dixie Stations:
On October 1, 1968, the squadron was re-designated Electronic Attack Squadron 130 and placed under Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Thirteen (VAQW-13).
VAQ-130 detachments continued to deploy in support of the Vietnam War as follows:
In March 1975, the squadron relocated to their current homeport of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler.
In December 2010, the squadron returned from their last fleet deployment flying the EA-6B Prowler and began transition training in March 2011 to the EA-18G Growler; the Zappers completed transition training in November 2011. The squadron deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman in July 2013 following a year-long work-up cycle.
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