Electronic Attack Squadron [VAQ-131]
"Lancers"
VAQ-131, the Lancers, flies the EA-6B Prowler. Based on the A-6 Intruder, the EA-6B operates as an anti-radar, jamming platform. VAQ-131, with four EA-6B aircraft and about 185 pilots and support crew, is based at NAS Whidbey Island, in Whidbey Island, WA.
1999 was a year of achievement for the Lancers, highlighted by record-setting operational accomplishments and groundbreaking systems development. The year started with a successful SFARP det to NAS Fallon in support of F/A-18 training, demonstrating early in the work-up cycle EA-6B combat capabilities to the strike-fighter community. Within days of returning to Whidbey, VAQ-131 led an Air Wing HARM missile exercise, executing a multi-axis, multiple missile launch scenario. All the while, each Lancer Prowler was configured with the new USQ-113 Phase III and Multi-Mission Advanced Tactical Terminal (MATT)/Improved Data Modem (IDM) systems. As the VX-9 trusted agent squadron, early February found VAQ-131 performing two weeks of VX-9 Operational Testing & Evaluation to verify system operation and develop operational procedures for later incorporation into the VX-9 final report. Work-ups continued on track with a highly successful COMPTUEX, marked by the first at-sea trials of the new USQ-113 and MATT/IDM systems.
Returning home in mid-March, the Lancers accomplished the integration of the ALQ-99 SSA 5.2 Operational Flight Program (OFP) prior to fleet release, for use during the CVW-2 Air Wing Fallon. The rapid upgrading of squadron mission planning and support equipment allowed for a highly successful operational demonstration of the new OFP's combat enhancing features. Concurrent with Air Wing Fallon, VAQ-131 sent one jet to Pt. Mugu, via a quick HARM Block V test mission at China Lake, for a second HARM missile exercise, and the first-ever surface ship-to-Prowler data transfer via the IDM System.
Work-ups were completed in May, but preparations for the start of WESTPAC 99 were interrupted by world crisis. Four days prior to deploying, word was received that Joint Chief's of Staff short-notice tasking required the Lancers to respond to increased Korean military tensions. Tackling numerous logistical obstacles, the Lancers deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, in one week. From accomplishing a short-notice KC-135 tanking qualification for all six squadron pilots, to the re-distribution of 30 tons of squadron cargo in San Diego, the Lancers met every challenge. Completing what is normally months-worth of preparation in only a few days, VAQ-131 departed Whidbey Island in late-June for a high-profile expeditionary deployment to the Korean theater. This provided theater commanders with electronic attack presence and a very visible military show of US resolve in theater. The Lancers prepared for potential combat operations by flying day and night missions over the Korean peninsula within two days of arrival and after a flawless Trans-Pacific crossing.
Upon arrival in theater of the USS Constellation Battle Groups, the Lancers organized, scheduled, and accomplished NLPs on the Japanese mainland. Within two days, six squadron pilots and the CVW-2 LSO were CQ-ready. Beginning in August and continuing nearly non-stop until November, the Lancers achieved an unprecedented 100 percent combat mission completion rate for all Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW) missions. Not a single OSW mission was executed without VAQ-131 EA-6B support. The squadron literally rewrote electronic attack rules of engagement (ROE) for CENTCOM. Sound tactical procedures were developed and utilized for the USQ-113 and MATT/IDM to maximize UN coalition force's combat effectiveness. The squadron flew more hours in September than any month in the previous ten years, with October being the second highest. Routinely, all four Lancer aircraft flew simultaneous combat missions for large-scale National Command Authority-directed Response Option strikes, and not accustomed to resting on their laurels the Lancers capped off their successful deployment by winning the coveted "Top Hook" award for the entire deployment. Their return to Whidbey, in December, brought this demanding operational deployment and year to a safe and professional close.
After spending just two weeks on Whidbey Island for Thanksgiving, VAQ-131 headed to Naval Air Station Fallon 26 November 2000. Lancers met the other squadrons from Carrier Air Wing Two there for integrated Strike Warfare training. Air Wing Fallon is three weeks of intense Air Wing training against a sophisticated Integrated Air Defense System (IADS) that includes enemy air force as well as surface-to-air missiles. The defense system at Fallon is one of the most robust in the nation and allows any Air Wing to perfect integrated warfare tactics. NAS Fallon also allows EA-6B squadrons to demonstrate the effectiveness of jamming against real-world threats. The entire Air Wing demonstrated its efficiency and effectiveness in planning and implementing tactics to support precision strikes.
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