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US Navy - Electronic Attack Squadron 129
(VAQRON 129) VAQ-129 'Vikings' former Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 129 |
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| 01/21 | ||||||
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 EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - November 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2020  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at Nellis AFB, Nevada - November 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) - August 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at NAS Key West, Florida - May 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2019  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) performs Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) at Boca Chica Field, Key West, Florida - November 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) performs Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) at Boca Chica Field, Key West, Florida - November 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) performs Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) at Boca Chica Field, Key West, Florida - November 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2018  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) during the F/A-18 10 million flight hour anniversary at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - September 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - September 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - September 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - July 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - July 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - July 2017  cutout  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2017  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) in flight with an USAF B-1B Lancer Bomber over Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota - July 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota - July 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota - July 2016  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) during qualifications aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - May 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - February 2015  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - July 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - July 2014  Roger Woods, EA-18G mission systems director for Boeing, with Capt. Darryl Walker, Commodore, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CVWP), during the handover of the 100th EA-18G Growler at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) - May 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) - March 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) - March 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) - March 2014  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - December 2013  EA-18G Growler and EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) in special colors - undated  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) during a memorial service az NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - March 2013  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2013  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2013  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2013  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2013  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2013  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - March 2011  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - March 2011  EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) in special colours - January 2011  EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) in special colours - January 2011  cutout  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) in special colours - January 2011  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) in special colours at NAS North Island, California - January 2011  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) in special colours at NAS North Island, California - January 2011  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) in special colours at NAS North Island, California - January 2011  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida - December 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2010  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - July 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - June 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - January 2010  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - August 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - July 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2009  cutout  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2009  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) - February 2009  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) - February 2009  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California - October 2008  cutout  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) - October 2008  EA-18G Growler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - August 2008  acceptance of the first EA-18G Growler - NAS Whidbey Island, Washington - June 2008  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) - November 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - March 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - March 2006  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) over Washington - April 2004  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - February 2004  EA-6B Prowlers (VAQ-129) - July 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) - July 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) - July 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - March 2003  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) - January 1992  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) at NAS Dallas, Texas - February 1988  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) - March 1987  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) - August 1984  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - January 1984  EA-6B Prowler (VAQ-129) aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 1983 |
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On 01 September 1970, Heavy Attack
Squadron 10 (VAH-10) was redesignated to Electronic Attack Squadron
129 (VAQ-129) under the leadership of Commanding Officer J. D.
Blackwood. The new name signaled a shift of the squadron’s aircraft
and mission, as the A-3 Skywarrior was retired and replaced by the
EA-6B Prowler. VAQ-129 accepted the first standard version Prowler
in January 1971 and the Vikings assumed the role as Fleet
Replacement Squadron for the new EA-6B community. The training syllabus continually evolved to better meet the demands of the growing Electronic Attack community aboard NAS Whidbey Island. The GPQT-6 Ground Trainer accelerated aircrew production by nearly three weeks while providing the Fleet with Anti-Radiation Missile training facilities. The Vikings received the first Expanded Capability (EXCAP) version of the EA-6B in April 1973 along with upgraded ground trainers designed to train aircrew in a simulated threat environment. In January 1977, the Navy introduced the first Improved Capability (ICAP) Prowler and in March 1977, VAQ-129 began training United States Marine Corps aircrew and maintenance personnel on the new aircraft. The first Marine Corps pilot and Electronic Countermeasures Officer (ECMO) graduated from ICAP training on 26 August 1977 and marked the beginning of a unique relationship between Naval and Marine Corps aviation. The training capability for Prowler aircrew improved dramatically in February 1980 with the introduction of a fully integrated four-seat 2F119 Weapons System trainer. This full-motion simulator revolutionized the VAQ-129 syllabus by allowing four Fleet Replacement aircrew to work simultaneously in a simulated combat environment. In 1984 the Vikings accepted the first ICAP II version of the EA-6B and associated upgraded 15E22C simulator. The GPQT-6 was replaced by the highly sophisticated 15E34A radar training site in April 1986 and the Vikings received the AGM-88A High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) in 1987. VAQ-129 provided extensive operational and maintenance support to units deployed in support of OPERATION DESERT SHIELD and OPERATION DESERT STORM beginning in July 1990. Viking instructors joined squadrons in the Persian Gulf and provided the squadrons with updated HARM training. The special relationship between VAQ-129 and Marine Corps aviation strengthened in August 1992 when a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel assumed the VAQ-129 Executive Officer billet. Additionally, EA-6B tasking increased throughout the mid-1990’s as the Air Force retired the EF-111. As a result, VAQ-129 increased student production by more than twenty percent to allow for the creation of five additional Prowler squadrons. These new units were invaluable to OPERATION ALLIED FORCE over Kosovo in 1998 and 1999. In April 1999, the Vikings received the first two Block 89A aircraft and began training the EA-6B community on an advanced navigation system that used an integrated Global Positioning System and Inertial Navigation System. During OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, the Vikings continued to provide additional EA-6B aircraft, aircrew, and maintenance personnel to forward-deployed squadrons. In 2003, the Vikings earned the Commander Theodore G. Ellyson Award for Aviator Production Excellence in Fiscal Year 2002 by training 89 new Fleet Replacement aircrew and 48 fleet aviators. In 2004, the Vikings transitioned four Fleet squadrons to the ICAP III EA-6B. In June 2008 VAQ-129 accepted the first EA-18G Growler. The EA-18G is an Electronic Warfare platform derived from a combination of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet airframe and the EA-6B ICAP III EW suite. In 2015, VAQ-129 successfully completed the transition of all fleet squadrons from the Prowler to the Growler. Through numerous software and tactic updates, VAQ-129 continued to train up to 40 CAT I pilots and Electronic Warfare Officers (EWOs) per year. Over the nine year transition period VAQ-129 qualified 1,024 aircrew, meeting the operational and rapidly changing demands of 12 deployable Growler squadrons. Today, VAQ-129 maintains 55 EA-18G aircraft. Our instructor Aircrew continue to demonstrate the capabilities and precision of the Growler through the standup of the Growler Demonstration Team, and was chosen to represent the United States Navy as part of the Super Bowl LIV flyover in Miami, Florida. While VAQ-129 has always been focused on training Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force aircrew, today our student body includes our Royal Australian Air Force partners. Our instructor staff includes aircrew from the Royal Australian Air Force, the British Royal Air Force, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force, and the United States Marine Corps. source: VAQ-129 - - - - - another history: Electronic Attack Squadron One Two Nine (VAQ-129) is the United States Navy and Marine Corps' only EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler training squadron. Known as the Vikings, they are a Fleet Replacement Squadron, or FRS, and are charged with training all EA-6B and EA-18G aviators and developing standard operating procedures for the maintenance and operation of the aircraft. The squadron is permanently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, in Puget Sound, Washington. Beginning in June 2008, VAQ-129 began transitioning to the Navy's next generation electronic attack aircraft the EA-18G Growler. Heavy Attack Squadron 10 (VAH-10) flying the A-3 Skywarrior was redesignated Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Two Nine (TACELECWARON129) (VAQ-129) flying the EA-6B Prowlers on September 1, 1970. The change in name brought with it a change in mission. The first EA-6B standard version Prowler was delivered in January 1971. With its arrival, VAQ-129 commenced its career as the training squadron for EA-6B fleet commands. In January 1977, the Navy introduced the first of its Improved Capability (ICAP) version Prowlers. In March 1977, VAQ-129 began training United States Marine Corps aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and maintain the ICAP version of the aircraft, starting a long training relationship with the Marine Corps. In 1984, the first ICAP II version of the EA-6B arrived. The Vikings introduced the AGM-88A High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) to the EA-6B in 1986. In 1988 they introduced the new “Block 86” version of the ICAP II Prowler. During Operation Desert Storm, an updated HARM capability was introduced, which proved tremendously successful in the subsequent combat operations. August 1992 saw the Executive Officer’s billet filled by a USMC Lieutenant Colonel, further strengthening VAQ-129’s relationship with the Marine Corps. In the summer of 2005 the new ICAP III was delivered to the community to pave the way for the follow on platform of the EA-18G. The retirement of the United States Air Force's EF-111A Raven makes the EA-6B and EA-18G the only tactical aircraft in the U.S. inventory capable of performing electronic attack. This signals an even greater role for the Prowler and Growler for years to come. On 5 August 2009, EA-18G Growlers from VAQ-129 and Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) completed their first at-sea carrier-arrested landing (trap) aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). In 2013, VAQ-129 began training Royal Australian Air Force aircrew to operate the EA-18G. source: wikipedia NOTE: Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons were redesignated to Electronic Attack Squadrons on March 30, 1998 |
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