VAQ-132 Begins Deployment Aboard NAF Misawa

An Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 crew member directs an EA-18G Growler as it taxis down the Naval Air Facility Misawa ramp. VAQ-132 is beginning a six-month deployment at Naval Air Force Misawa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Pedro A. Rodriguez/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Pedro A. Rodriguez, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 132 arrived at Naval Air Facility Misawa, July 14, 2012, and will begin a six-month deployment in support of U.S. 7th Fleet.

The Oak Harbor, Wash.-based squadron, also known as the "Scorpions," flies the Navy's newest electronic attack aircraft: the EA-18G Growler.

"The aircrafts' mission is to locate, identify, and jam enemy radars, and provide protection for joint forces," said Cmdr. Dave Kurtz, VAQ-132 executive officer, and a native of Coatesville, Penn. "It provides a whole new generation of capabilities, which includes advanced location of emitters, self defense through air-to-air weapons, and the ability to communicate with other aircraft, providing real-time information to help defend themselves.

"With these advanced capabilities, it's far more advanced than anything we've ever seen before," he said.

While deployed to NAF Misawa's northern-Japan locale, the squadron will integrate with existing U.S. and coalition forces.

"While here, we'll provide airborne electronic attack capability for our coalition forces when called upon," said Cmdr. Jay Matzko, VAQ-132 commanding officer, and originally from Phoenix. "During our stay here in Misawa, we will be training, continuing to build readiness, and if we are needed anywhere around the world, we will respond."

Matzko also said his squadron is excited to operate alongside Japan's Air and Maritime Self-Defense Forces, as well as other regional partners within the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

"This is the first time that Navy Airborne Electronic Attack has been deployed to the PACOM (U.S. Pacific Command) AOR in a long time," said Matzko. "We are looking forward to being here, we are looking forward to supporting the joint and coalition forces when called upon, and we're ready to go."

But while the Scorpions are mission ready, Kurtz said his Sailors are also eager to take some time to explore their host country.

"Every single one of us is excited to be here; it is a whole different experience from previous deployments," he said. "We are looking forward to seeing the country, traveling on the Shinkansen, and enjoying everything Japan has to offer."

VAQ-132 Becomes First Operational Growler Squadron Safe for Flight

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The "Scorpions" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 held a flyover and a ceremony marking them as the first operational EA-18G Growler squadron to be designated
"Safe for Flight" on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Oct. 2.

The event marked the culmination of a seven-month training phase for VAQ-132 under the tutelage of VAQ-129, the fleet replacement squadron, as they transitioned from the EA-6B Prowler to the Growler.

"[This] was only possible due to years of dedicated effort by a list of people too numerous to thank here," said Cmdr. Scott Bunnay, VAQ-132 commanding officer.
"From the creative minds in [NAS] Patuxent River, to a dedicated line of requirement officers in the Pentagon, to the tireless plane captains in my line shack, a formidable team coalesced to bring the next generation of electronic attack to the Fleet."

Bunnay was proud of the accomplishments of his air and maintenance crews and confident in the squadron's capability.

"To all Scorpions; I feel honored to be surrounded by such a dedicated group of professional Sailors. You have proven that we will carry on VAQ-132's tradition of excellence," said Bunnay. "We will be ready when called to protect the security of our country by deploying as a highly capable and combat-ready squadron."

First Operational Growler Squadron 'Safe for Flight'

NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- Electronic Attack (VAQ) 132 received the official notification in a Sept. 22 Navy message from Capt. Tom Slais, Commander Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, that the squadron was certified "safe for flight operations in the EA-18G."

"Your hard work and dedication is exemplary, and I am confident you will continue to display the same pride and professionalism as you execute safe operations and maintain your aircraft," said Slais.

The first operational Growler squadron to attain "safe for flight" status since the first EA-18G arrived Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in June 2008 recently returned from a successful carrier qualification detachment on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) with a 100 percent qualification rate.

Operating out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., each pilot in the Fleet's first EA-18G "Growler" squadron completed a series of day and night arrested landings to become officially qualified to fly the newest fleet aircraft aboard Navy aircraft carriers.

"Carrier Qualification is a huge milestone in VAQ-132's transition to the Growler," said Bunnay, who was happy with the results of the detachment. "Squadrons build their reputations operating around the carrier, and I feel like we conducted ourselves with a high level of professionalism."

Since February of this year, VAQ-132 has been in the process of transitioning to the EA-18G under the guidance of VAQ-129, the Fleet Replacement Squadron responsible for training transition aircrew.

Along with the Scorpion aircrew, the maintenance personnel in VAQ-132 have been working non-stop to complete their requirements for the squadron's "safe for flight" qualification, which will allow them to operate airplanes autonomously.

Recently the maintenance department underwent a series of rigorous inspections conducted by Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet and performed above and beyond expectations.

VAQ 132 Returns to Whidbey Island

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Northwest
Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 132, the “Scorpions”, were welcomed home to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Oct. 6, after a deployment to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq.

The Scorpions were deployed for seven months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Our missions went great and as always, we gave the support requested to keep the guys on the ground safe,” said Lt. j.g. John Grisham, of VAQ 132.

During their deployment, the Scorpions flew more 780 sorties and logged over 3,900 hours of flight time with almost 30 officers and around 145 enlisted. The squadron had a 100 percent sortie accomplishment rate.

“We did not miss one sortie we were requested for,” said Cmdr. Jeff Graf, VAQ 132 commanding officer. “We also flew an unprecedented amount of hours. I don’t think a Navy Prowler squadron has ever logged 3,900.”

“Professionalism is the key to success in any operation in the military,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Derryl Royster. “We had it and that’s why our deployment went really well.”

The crew was welcomed home by friends and family members when they flew in by charter airplane. Their EA-6B Prowlers were left for VAQ 142, the “Gray Wolves," to support Carrier Air Wing 17 next spring.

“It felt good actually playing a part in the war and supporting our country,” said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Airman Dennis Piccirillo. “Over the radio, I heard the troops say they appreciated what we were doing and they couldn’t have done their job without us.”

Even with all the success of the deployment the crew members were glad to be back and out of the 120 degree weather.

“It’s great to be home,” said Royster. “What really matters is that we all made it back here in one piece.”