VAQ-141

Electronic Attack Squadron 141

VAQ-141 insignia
Active
Country  United States of America
Branch United States Navy
Role Airborne Electronic Attack
Part of Carrier Air Wing 8
Garrison/HQ Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
Nickname Shadowhawks
Motto “Ready on Arrival”
Engagements Operation Southern Watch
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Commanders
Current
commander
Commander Michael J. Miller
Aircraft flown
Attack EA-18G Growler

Electronic Attack Squadron 141 (VAQ-141), also known as the "Shadowhawks", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy that is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. VAQ-141 falls under the command of Commander Electronic Attack Wing Pacific (COMVAQWINGPAC) and flies in support of Carrier Air Wing 8 aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77).

Contents

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History

War on Terror

In April 2001, the squadron deployed as part of Carrier Air Wing 8 onboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). They participated in exercises in the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea and took part in enforcing the Iraqi no-fly zones as part of Operation Southern Watch. The squadron was on its way home when the September 11 attacks occurred in New York City. Carrier Air Wing 8’s deployment was extended and they were sent to join other U.S. Navy assets in the northern Arabian Sea. Shortly thereafter, VAQ-141 provided electronic attack in support of coalition air and ground forces during the opening stages of the invasion of Afghanistan also known as Operation Enduring Freedom.[1]

In September 2005, The Shadowhawks once again deployed with CVW-8 to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While still in the Mediterranean 2 EA-6Bs and a detachment of support personnel from VAQ-141 left CVW-8's home, The USS Theodore Roosevelt and flew to Al Asad air base to augment VMAQ-1 to fill the void left by the previous carrier leaving the AOR. With this, VAQ-141 became the first EA-6B squadron to conduct split ship-shore operations in Iraq.[2]

In September 2008 VAQ-141 departed Naval Station Norfolk aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The Ship steamed south to visit Cape Town South Africa, and in doing so, the Roosevelt became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to visit the port. The ship soon rounded the Cape of Good Hope and sailed north, Setting up station in the North Persian Gulf, Flying missions in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan. In April 2009, VAQ-141 flew off the Roosevelt and into history landing in NAS Whidbey Island for the last time as a EA-6B squadron.[3][4]

On February 12, 2010, the Shadowhawks were deemed "safe for flight" with the EA-18G Growler, becoming the second operational squadron to transition to the aircraft.[5]

In July 2011, the squadron deployed to the Middle East aboard the carrier George Bush. During the deployment, the squadron's commanding officer, Commander Karl Pugh, was removed as CO after an "alcohol related incident" in Bahrain.[6]

See also

United States Navy portal
Military of the United States portal

References

  1. ^ McGowan, Tom (2002-09-01). "VAQ-141 Shadowhawks: "Ready on Arrival"". Naval Aviation News (Department of the Navy, Naval Historical Center). http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VAQ-141+Shadowhawks:+%22Ready+on+Arrival%22-a094262333. Retrieved 2009-03-05. 
  2. ^ Murphy, Stephen (2005-10-12). "VAQ-141 Supports Troops in Al Asad". Navy Newsstand (Department of the Navy). http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20549. Retrieved 2009-05-14. 
  3. ^ Yates, Tucker (2009-04-23). "Shadowhawks return from carrier deployment". Northwest Navigator (Sound Publishing, Inc.). http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/whidbey/shadowhawks_return_from_carrier_deployment/. Retrieved 2009-05-14. 
  4. ^ Kerrick, Adam (2008-10-02). "Shadowhawks sail into history". Northwest Navigator (Sound Publishing, Inc.). http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/whidbey/shadowhawks_sail_into_history/. Retrieved 2009-05-14. 
  5. ^ www.northwestnavigator.com
  6. ^ Fuentes, Gidget, "Growler squadron CO fired on deployment", Military Times, 19 July 2011.

External links