Military

VAQ-209 "Star Warriors"

On 96 hours' notice, Naval Air Reserve squadron VAQ-209 air crews from Naval Air Facility Washington, D.C., deployed 15 April 1999 to Aviano to support Operation Allied Force. Flying an aircraft in high demand and short supply, the squadron EA-6Bs and personnel were needed. The VAQ-209 "Star Warriors" joined a large force of regular Navy air crews, flying two EA-6B Prowlers that provide jamming and Anti-Radiation Missile support for striking NATO aircraft. Approximately 60 Reservists from VAQ-209 immediately responded to help, leaving their families and civilian jobs to support the operation. The "Star Warriors" remained in Aviano until a resolution of hostitilies was achieved.

As Electronic Attack Wing, Aviano, VAQs 209, 138 and 140 developed a maintenance effort to maintain 14 Prowlers to meet an around-the-clock flight schedule. Together, they achieved a 100-percent mission completion rate flying over 640 sorties throughout the conflict. These three squadrons were part of the more than one-third of the EA-6B inventory dedicated to the operation.

The Squadron deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia 29 March 2001 through 11 May 2001.