VQ-2
| Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-1 | |
|---|---|
VQ-2 insignia
|
|
| Active | 1 September 1955 - 22 May 2012 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | Fleet Air Reconnaissance |
| Role |
Aerial reconnaissance Electronic reconnaissance |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Whidbey Island |
| Nickname(s) | "Batmen" "Sandeman" |
| Engagements |
Vietnam War 1982 Lebanon War Beirut Crisis Operation El Dorado Canyon Gulf War Operation Deny Flight Operation Provide Comfort Operation Provide Promise Operation Sharp Guard Operation Join Endeavor Operation Decisive Endeavor Operation Deliberate Guard Operation Silver Wake Operation Enduring Freedom |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Reconnaissance |
Lockheed EP-3 WV-2Q Super Constellations EA-3 Skywarrior P-4M-1Q Mercator |
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-2, also known as "Batmen" and later "Sandeman," was an air reconnaissance squadron of the United States Navy was established on 1 September 1955 and based at NAS Whidbey Island, flying Lockheed EP-3 aircraft. The squadron was disestablished on 22 May 2012.
VQ-2 was commissioned on 1 September 1955 to provide the United States with an improved defense posture. Designated Electronic Countermeasures Squadron TWO (ECMRON TWO) at the outset, it was homeported at NAS Port Lyautey.
The squadron originally utilized the P-4M-1Q Mercator and the P-2V Neptune as mission aircraft. In September 1956, a new and faster carrier-capable A-3D-1Q Skywarrior. In January 1960, the squadron was transferred to NS Rota, Spain.
In early 1960, the squadron's name was changed to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (VQ-2). Shortly thereafter, the P4M-1Q aircraft were replaced by the WV-2Q Super Constellations. In October 1962, the WV-2Q was redesignated the EC-121M Super Constellation.
On 26 February 1970, an EA-3B was lost while operating from USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Mediterranean. The catapult system malfunctioned in mid-stroke, resulting in the Skywarrior “dribbling” off the bow and being run over by the carrier. Four of the crew members died in the accident
VQ-2 continued to operate and maintain EC-121M aircraft into 1974. The A3D-1Q was replaced by the A3D-2Q and was subsequently re-designated the EA-3B Skywarrior.
On 31 July 1971, the squadron received its first delivery of the EP-3E Aries aircraft.
As VQ-2 entered the mid-1980s, the frenzied pace of operations including Operation Mole Cricket 19(Arab-Israel Beqaa War), and continuing with 1982 - 1983 Beirut Crisis with the U.S. Marine barracks bombing, and the Sixth Fleet December 1983 air strike into Lebanon, allowed little leisure time for the squadron.
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