VAQ-130


Electronic Attack Squadron 130, also known as the "Zappers", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy based aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Part of Carrier Air Wing 3, the Zappers deploy aboard the aircraft carrier. VAQ-130 is the oldest electronic warfare squadron in the U.S. Navy.

Squadron history

In 2017, Two naval aviators attached to VAQ-130 were disciplined for drawing a phallus in the sky over Okanogan County, Washington

VAW-13

The squadron was originally commissioned as Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirteen flying AD-5Qs in 1959.
During the Vietnam War detachments from VAW-13 were deployed on the following aircraft carriers operating on Yankee and Dixie Stations:
On 1 October 1968, the squadron was re-designated Electronic Attack Squadron 130 and placed under Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Thirteen.
VAQ-130 detachments continued to deploy in support of the Vietnam War as follows:
In March 1975, the squadron relocated to their current homeport of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler.
In December 2010, the squadron returned from their last fleet deployment flying the EA-6B Prowler and began transition training in March 2011 to the EA-18G Growler; the Zappers completed transition training in November 2011. The squadron deployed aboard in July 2013 following a year-long work-up cycle.