VAQ-137

Electronic Attack Squadron 137
VAQ-137 insignia
Active	14 December 1973 - present
Country	United States of America
Branch	United States Navy
Role	Airborne Electronic Attack
Part of	Carrier Air Wing One
Garrison/HQ	Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
Nickname	Rooks
Engagements	Operation Frequent Wind Operation Desert Storm Operation Southern Watch Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom
Decorations	4 Navy Unit Commendations 3 Meritorious Unit Commendations 6 Battle "E"s 3 Navy Expeditionary Medals 2 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals 1 Humanitarian Service Medal 4 Safety "S" Awards Prowler Excellence Award (1988) Prowler Squadron of the Year (2 Awards) 4 Admiral Arthur W. Radford Awards
Commanders
Current commander	Commander T. Estes
Aircraft flown
Attack	EA-6B Prowler EA-18G Growler

Electronic Attack Squadron 137 (VAQ-137) also known as the "Rooks", is a United States Navy electronic attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Washington.

The "Rooks" are an operational fleet squadron that flies the Boeing EA-18G Growler. The "Rooks" are attached to Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1), which is currently assigned to the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Their radio callsign is "Rook" and their tailcode is "AB" of CVW-1.^[1]

History

Since their original commissioning on 14 December 1973, the Rooks of VAQ-137 have flown three versions of the Grumman EA-6B Prowler aboard six different aircraft carriers in every major theater.

1970's

VAQ-137 Prowler on board the USS Enterprise CVAN-65 in Apr 1975.

VAQ 137 first deployed in 1974 with CVW-14 for a WESTPAC cruise aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN-65), flying EXCAP Prowlers. In April 1975, on station in the South China Sea, Rooks operated non-stop to provide essential electronic surveillance for OPERATION FREQUENT WIND, the evacuation of Americans from Saigon. Between 1976 and 1978, the ROOKS made two Med cruises with CVW-6 aboard USS America (CV-66). In April 1976, the squadron provided standoff ECM support for the evacuation of Americans from civil-war-torn Beirut, Lebanon. During the two cruises, the ROOKS obtained emitter data and the first Navy photos of the USSR 's Kiev class aircraft carrier and their newest Kara class cruiser. Between 1979 and 1982, VAQ-137 made three WESTPAC cruises with CVW-2 aboard the USS Ranger (CV-61).

1980's

In January 1981, the ROOKS were on station in the North Arabian Sea when the Iranians released 52 American hostages held since November 1979. In March, USS Ranger (CV-61) received the Humanitarian Service Medal for the rescue of 138 Vietnamese "boat people" after a VAQ-137 crew sighted them. In 1983, the ROOKS joined CVW-3 for an action-packed Med cruise aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). In November, they participated in a coordinated French/US air strike against an Iranian training camp at Baalbek, Lebanon. In December, they participated in a strike against SAM/AAA sites east of Beirut, providing essential radar jamming.

VAQ-137 Prowler aircraft 624 on board the USS Ranger (CV-61) in 1980. A-6 Intruders are also visible.

In February 1984, the ROOKS flew support missions while multi-national peacekeeping forces pulled out of Lebanon. In 1984, the ROOKS were the first EA-6B squadron to transition to ICAP II. Between 1985 and 1987, the squadron made two Med cruises with CVW-17 aboard USS Saratoga (CV-60). After the Italian cruiseliner, MS Achille Lauro, was hijacked in October 1985, CVW-17 aircraft intercepted the hijackers' plane and forced them to land at a NATO airfield. In March 1986, VAQ-137 co-authored and participated in the successful air strike against an SA-5 site at Sirte, Libya.

In 1989, the ROOKS joined CVW-1 for a Med and Indian Ocean cruise aboard USS America (CV-66). During nine months at sea, VAQ-137 participated in nine major exercises in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. They sailed from the Arctic Circle to the Equator via the Suez Canal. In August, when Lieutenant Colonel Higgens, USMC, was brutally executed in Lebanon, USS America (CV-66) emergency sortied from Singapore to be on station in the North Arabian Sea. The Rooks provided critical electronic surveillance for contingency operations. When the United States evacuated the Beirut Embassy in September, the Rooks were airborne within hours of entering the Mediterranean providing EW support to the operation.

1990's

In December 1990, the Rooks deployed aboard USS America (CV-66) with five ICAP 2 Prowlers in support of OPERATION DESERT STORM. During 212 combat sorties, the Rooks provided ECM coverage and fired 30 HARM missiles in support of the United Nations Coalition Forces. VAQ-137 was the only EA-6B squadron to fight the war from both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Following the cease-fire, the Rooks completed the Desert Storm deployment with a successful five aircraft TransMed and TransLant fly-off en route to Whidbey Island. After only four months, VAQ-137 returned to USS America (CV-66) in August 1991, and deployed to the North Atlantic for operations in the Norwegian Fjords during NORTHSTAR '91. In December 1991, the Rooks deployed aboard USS America (CV-66) for MED 2-91. After three months of Mediterranean operations the USS America (CV-66) sortied again for the Persian Gulf in March 1992. The Rooks were the first EA-6B squadron who had fought in DESERT STORM to return to the area arriving on station a mere 12 months after the war. VAQ-137’s last deployment ended in February 1994. During that deployment, the Rooks participated in Operation Continue Hope over Somalia, southern watch over Iraq and Deny Flight over Bosnia. The Rooks were formally disestablished at 1330, 26 May 1994.

Carrier Air Wing 1 aircraft overhead view in 1991 assigned to USS America. VAQ-137 Prowler at the back of the formation.

In 1995, Program Budget Decisions 752 and 753 detailed the commissioning of 5 EA-6B squadrons to replace the USAF EF-111A Raven in fulfilling the Joint Electronic Attack role. VAQ-137 is the third of those five squadrons to be commissioned. VAQ-137 was re-established at 1300, 3 October 1996 onboard Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington. Upon reaching full operational capability, the Rooks were assigned to carrier Air Wing One and deployed aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73) within one year of re-establishment. During the 1997 deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch, the Rooks led the EA-6B community and Air Wing One in all operational comparisons: 91 combat missions, 275 combat hours, 618 flight hours, 230 arrested landings, and a 100% Operation Southern Watch sortie completion rate. In addition, the ROOKS operated the largest carrier based EA-6B squadron in history; eight aircraft deployed and seven flown back to NAS Whidbey Island. The Rooks assimilated 3 additional aircraft, 12 aircrew, and 10 maintenance personnel to meet the increased JCS CONOPS requirements. At the conclusion of the deployment, VAQ-137 was awarded the Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet, Battle Efficiency Award for outstanding performance during 1997 and the semi-annual Safety “S” for the second half of 1997.

In September 1999, the Rooks deployed aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) while attached to Carrier Battle Group SIX (CCG-6) and Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1). In addition to other exercises, the Rooks participated in the “Bright Star” exercise off the coast of Egypt. Once again the Rooks led the way protecting coalition aircraft from participating surface-to-air missile systems. Additionally, the Rooks were both the first and last members of CVW-1 to fly missions in support of Operation Southern Watch (OSW) combat sorties.

Operation Enduring Freedom

VAQ-137 deployed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on 19 September 2001. The Rooks were the first Prowler squadron to deploy with night vision goggles and accumulated 751 NVD hours. The Rooks spent a record 159 days at sea during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, flying three consecutive months of 400+ hours. 254 combat sorties were flown.

2003 Deployment and Afghanistan

US Navy EA-6B Prowler attached to the Rooks, Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Seven (VAQ-137) onboard USS Enterprise preparing for a catapult launch.

In February 2003 the Rooks began Pre-deployment workups. After a disjointed workup schedule they completed TSTA III and COMTUEX in September 2003 and began deployment on 3 October 2003 with CVW-1 on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). In early December 2003 the Rooks were notified during a port call in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that a detachment from the squadron was needed in Bagram Airfield Afghanistan. Less than 48 hours after official notification arrived, the squadron offloaded and transported approximately 17,000 pounds of cargo and more than 30 people to Bagram, and set up spaces to catch the inbound aircraft from the ship. The Rooks of VAQ-137 were the first EA-6B Prowler squadron to be forward deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. ^[2] In addition to supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, the Rooks demonstrated that EA-6B Prowlers could be successfully operated from Bagram Air Base. In January of 2004 the Rooks were relieved by a full EA-6B squadron, the Gray Wolves VAQ-142 and redeployed to the USS Enterprise to complete their deployment.

War in Iraq

In May 2006, the Rooks deployed onboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) as a component of Carrier Air Wing ONE and Carrier Strike Group TWO. VAQ-137 successfully conducted split site operations in AL ASAD, Iraq in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism.

An EA-6B Prowler of VAQ-137 in 2003.

In July 2007, the Rooks found themselves going back to support the troops in Iraq from the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in the Persian Gulf. The Rooks successfully helped ensure the safety of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen, on the ground, during the increased operation tempo of the surge. The Rooks returned from this rigorous deployment in December 2007. Two deployments, only seven months apart, with associated workups, tested every member of the squadron and their families.

Although the Rooks had no operational commitments following two back to back deployments, VAQ-137 participated in seven major detachments while excelling in 15 Major inspections, 12 Fully Mission Capable aircraft transfers to deploying squadrons and temporary loans of six aircraft. VAQ-137 continued to support the Fleet Readiness Squadron (FRS), Electronic Attack Weapon School (EAWS), and CVWP while executing squadron training.

In 2010, the Rooks finally had an Inter Deployment Readiness Cycle (IDRC). The squadron’s continued support of the Electronic Attack Weapons School (EAWS) helped smooth the Rooks’ transition to a deployable asset. The squadron came together and focused on an IDRC while balancing the priorities of detachments to the east coast and rigorous maintenance requirements, including TSTA, COMTUEX, and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFX).

For the Rooks, 2011 was monopolized by a deployment and rigorous training to deploy again the following year. In the 2011 deployment, the squadron supported combat operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) and NEW DAWN (OND), as well as counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. The Rooks overcame further challenges at home by transitioning from ICAP III aircraft to the older ICAP II aircraft. In short order they were ready to employ the newly accepted aircraft during Air Wing Fallon and back onboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) for Carrier Qualification and Deck Certification.

Last Deployment of the EA-6B and Transition to the EA-18G

EA-18G Growler of VAQ-137 in 2013

The beginning of 2012 saw the Rooks prepare for deployment with COMTUEX and JTFX in January and February. After a short turnaround at home in Whidbey Island, WA, the Rooks deployed for the final voyage of USS Enterprise (CVN-65). The deployment was dominated by providing direct support for combat operations in OEF, where the Rooks amassed 165 combat sorties and 1040 combat hours. In October 2013 the Rooks were deemed 'Safe for flght' in the EA-18G. They will next deploy with CVW-1 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in 2014.

Decorations

Four Navy Unit Commendations, three Meritorious Unit Commendations, six Battle "E”s, three Navy Expeditionary Medals, two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, one Humanitarian Service Medal and four Safety "S" awards. In 1988, the squadron was awarded the Prowler Excellence Award. Twice the Rooks were selected "Prowler Squadron of the Year", and four times they've been awarded the prestigious Admiral Arthur W. Radford Award for highest achievement in electronic warfare among all VAQ/VMAQ squadrons.

Rook Commanding Officers

CDR R. M. McDivet (DEC73-NOV74) CDR J. K. Flyum (NOV74-NOV75) CDR G. Miller (NOV75-MAR77) CDR R. F. Dewalt (MAR77-JUN78) CDR R. F. Sullivan (JUN78-SEP79) CDR J. B. Lamb (SEP79-OCT80) CDR L. E. Gardiner (OCT80-JAN82) CDR T. J. Williams (JAN82-JUL83) CDR J. E. Eckart (JUL83-JAN85) CDR D. C. Roper (JAN85-MAY86) CDR R. C. Christian (MAY86-OCT87) CDR T. F. Noonan (OCT87-JUN89) CDR M. V. Sherrard (JUN89-OCT90) CDR R. E. Stevens (OCT90-MAR92) CDR K. G. Krech (MAR92-JUN93) CDR S. A. Ewell (JUN93-JUN94) CDR R. C. Plucker (OCT96-MAY97) CDR M. C. Geron (MAY97-OCT98) CDR J. K. Gruetzmacher (OCT98-JAN00) CDR W.T. Griffin (JAN00-APR01) CDR G.C. Peterson (APR01-AUG02) CDR B.J. Glackin (AUG02-OCT03) CDR J.S. Ruth (OCT03-FEB05) CDR K. Meenaghan (FEB05-MAY06) CDR M. Buchanan (MAY06-OCT07) CDR James Lins(OCT07-PRES) CDR G. Patenaude (JAN09-APR10) CDR D. Edgarton (APR10-JUN11) CDR M. MacNicholl (JUN11-OCT12) CDR T. Estes (OCT12-JAN14) CDR C.M. Bahner (FEB14-Present)

References

External links

• VAQ-137 official homepage

See also

• History of the United States Navy
• List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

United States Navy Portal: United States Navy Category: United States Navy Leadership Secretary of the Navy Under Secretary of the Navy Chief of Naval Operations Vice Chief of Naval Operations Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy 4-star admirals House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces Senate Subcommittee on Seapower Structure Navy Navy Reserve Fleet Marine Force Expeditionary Combat Command Merchant Marine Operating forces Fleet Forces Command Pacific Fleet Naval Forces Europe Naval Forces Central Command Naval Forces Southern Command Naval Special Warfare Command Naval Reserve Forces Operational Test and Evaluation Force Naval Network Warfare Command Military Sealift Command Shore establishments Naval Sea Systems Command Naval Air Systems Command Naval Facilities Engineering Command Naval Supply Systems Command Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Fleet Cyber Command Naval Academy Naval Education and Training Command Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Office of Naval Intelligence Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center Naval Legal Service Command Naval Observatory Navy Occupational Safety & Health Bureau of Naval Personnel Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Fleets Third Fleet Fourth Fleet Fifth Fleet Sixth Fleet Seventh Fleet Tenth Fleet Structure The Pentagon Units Aircraft wings Aircraft squadrons Carrier strike group Installations Naval Observatory Master jet base Ships A–B C D–F G–H I–K L M N–O P Q–R S T–V W–Z Aircraft carriers Airships Amphibious warfare ships Auxiliaries Battleships Cruisers Destroyers Destroyer escorts Escort carriers Frigates Mine warfare vessels Monitors Patrol vessels Sailing frigates Steam frigates Steam gunboats Ships of the line Sloops of war Submarines Torpedo boats Personnel & training People Officers Officer insignia Designators Enlisted Enlisted insignia Ratings Classification Personnel Chaplain Corps (Chief of Chaplains) United States Navy EOD Medical Corps Dental Corps Nurse Corps Medical Service Corps Supply Corps Civil Engineer Corps JAG Corps (JAG) NCIS Boatswain's mates Hospital corpsman Naval Aviator SEALs Seabees SWCCs Hispanic sailors Training: Recruit training United States Naval Academy Officer Candidate School STA-21 NROTC BESS BFTT CNATT COMPTUEX NAWCTSD AIM Naval Chaplaincy School Naval Hospital Corps School Naval Justice School Naval Postgraduate School Navy School of Music Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Navy Supply Corps School Naval War College Nuclear Power School JMTC TOPGUN USNTPS Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Equipment Uniforms Awards Badges Current fleet Reserve fleet Aircraft Weapons Naval reactors History & traditions History "Anchors Aweigh" Blue Angels Continental Navy Ensign Fleet bands Fleet Week Jack Line-crossing ceremony National Museum Navy Band Navy Flag Navy Hymn Navy Memorial Navy service numbers Sailor's Creed Ship commissioning Ship decommissioning USS Constitution Wetting-down