VMAQ-4
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 | |
|---|---|
 VMAQ-4 Insignia |
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| Active | November 7, 1981 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Type | Attack |
| Role | Electronic Warfare |
| Part of | Marine Aircraft Group 14 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point |
| Nickname | "Seahawks" |
| Battles/wars | Operation Desert Storm Operation Deny Flight Operation Allied Force Operation Iraqi Freedom |
Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 (VMAQ-4) is a United States Marine Corps electronic warfare squadron consisting of EA-6B Prowler jets. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina and is attached to Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW).
[edit] Mission
The mission of VMAQ-4 is to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander by conducting airborne electronic warfare, day or night, under all weather conditions during Expeditionary, Joint, or Combined operations.
[edit] History
Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 (VMAQ-4) was initially activated as a reserve squadron as part of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing on May 21, 1981. During official ceremonies on 7 November 1981 the Squadron was commissioned, and was assigned to fly the EA-6A. In July 1983, a full complement of aircraft and personnel were achieved and the Squadron was given the nickname the "Seahawks".
In March of 1991, VMAQ-4 was mobilized in direct support of Operation Desert Storm. With the Department of the Navy approval, the Seahawks assumed control of six EA-6B Prowler aircraft.
On November 19, 1994, VMAQ-4 was given a rapid deployment order to participate in Operation Deny Flight. Within 24 hours, Seahawk aircrew and equipment were on their way to Sigonella, Italy in support of NATO and United Nations operations in Bosnia. The Squadron returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in January of 1995.
On August 31, 1996, VMAQ-4 deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy to relieve VMAQ-2. While in Aviano the Seahawks supported Operation Decisive Endeavor, and later Operation Deliberate Guard. From February 9, to July 20, 1998 the Seahawks were deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in support of Operation Deliberate Guard again.
In March of 1999, VMAQ-4 received the order to deploy to Aviano, Air Base, Italy for Operation Allied Force and NATO strikes on the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. In August of 2002 the squadron deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Watch.
In January 2005 the squadron deployed to Al Asad, Iraq for 6 months of combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They returned to MCAS Cherry Point in July of 2005.
