Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron-3 [VMAQ-3]
Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Three (VMAQ-3) was designated on 1 July 1992, as a product of the reorganization of the Marine Corps' only Electronic Warfare Squadron, VMAQ-2. It is one of four Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons in the Fleet Marine Force tasked with conducting airborne electronic warfare in support of Fleet Marine Forces operations. To accomplish its mission, VMAQ-3's table of organization provides for five Improved Capability version II (ICAP II) EA-6B aircraft, 33 officers and 214 enlisted Marines.
The VMAQ community traces its roots to VMC-2, the original composite squadron in the Marine Corps Aviation. VMC-2 was formally commissioned at MCAS Cherry Point on 15 September 1952, evolving from the Airborne Early Warning and Electronic Countermeasures section of the Wing Headquarters Squadron. On 1 December 1955, the squadron was combined with Marine Photographic Squadron 2 (VMC-2). In July 1975, VMCJ-2 was reorganized into separate electronic warfare and photoreconnaissance squadrons. VMAQ-2, based at MCAS Cherry Point, retained all electronic warfare aircraft, while the photo reconnaissance aircraft became VMFP-3, based at MCAS El Toro, California. VMAQ-2 was organized into three Detachments; XRAY, YANKEE and ZULU to better support the Marine Corps' world wide mission. On July 1, 1992, VMAQ-3 was commissioned and formed from the personnel and aircraft of VMAQ-2 Detachment ZULU.
Some of the aircraft flown by VMAQ-3's tactical electronic warfare predecessors included; the AD-5Q "Skyraider," the EF-10B "Skyknight" and the EA-6A "Electric Intruder." In 1977, the Marine Corps received the first of its EA-6B "Prowlers," the worlds premier tactical electronic warfare platform. Since the activation of VMAQ-3, the "Moondogs" have made several deployments to Yuma, Arizona in support of the Weapons and Tactical Instructor course and Exercise SCORPION WIND. In February and March of 1993, VMAQ-3 deployed to Bodo, Norway to participate in Exercise BATTLE GRIFFIN '93, a NATO cold weather exercise. In April 1993, the Moondogs completed the Marine Corps' first live firing of the High-speed Anti-radiation Missile (HARM) at a seaborne target, utilizing East Coast training training areas. From May to November 1993, VMAQ-3 deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan as part of the Marine Corps' Unit Deployment Program. During this deployment the Moondogs spent two months at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska in support of Exercise COPE THUNDER 93-3 and 93-4. In May 1994, the Squadron took part in AGILE PROVIDER '94, a major East Coast joint contingency exercise involving all branches of the Armed Forces. The Squadron Deployed to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada in August 1994 to participate in joint strikes with Air Force units during their RED FLAG exercise. In October 1994, VMAQ-3 received The Association of Old Crows Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron of the Year Award.
VMAQ-3 began integrating with Carrier Airwing One (CVW-1), in December 1994 and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf aboard the USS AMERICA (CV-66) in August of 1995. The Squadron saw combat action in operation DELIBERATE FORCE, DENY FLIGHT and DECISIVE ENDEAVOR. Additionally the squadron participated in operation SOUTHERN WATCH in the Persian Gulf. The Moondogs continued to set the pace after returning from the Mediterranean, by participating in Exercise COPE THUNDER 96-2 96-2 out of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska in May.
Early 1997 found the Moondogs preparing to deploy to Aviano, Italy. From February to August the Moondogs conducted air operations over Bosnia in support of Operation DELIBERATE GUARD while also supporting Operation SILVER WAKE, a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation conducted in Albania.
In 1998, VMAQ-3 continued to set the pace by participating in Exercise RED FLAG at Nellis AFB, NV. In March the Moondogs were sent to Yuma, AZ to take part in WTI 98-1. The Pace continued in May when the Moondogs led a multi-squadron detachment to Puerto Rico for a High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile shoot. VMAQ-3 began their preparation for deployment in July and August with a Commanding General's Inspection and a MCCRES evaluation. In September the Squadrons deployed to Iwakuni, Japan for six months. While deployed the Moondogs operated with combined forces during Foal Eagle '98 and MAGTF units during Beachcreast '99. The Squadron returned to Cherry Point in March 1999.
In October 1999, VMAQ-3 Marines participated in WTI 00-1, in Yuma, AZ, and most recently the Moondogs deployed to Nellis AFB, to participate in Red Flag 3-00 during March/April 2000.
During a a six month long deployment to the Western Pacific Theater in the summer of 2003, VMAQ-3 conducted a successful live High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile exercise while at Kadena. This was their first opportunity to train with live ordnance in three years. Not only did the aircrew of VMAQ-3 receive valuable training from the live fire, but also gained more experience handling HARM. In addition to the live fire the squadron also conducted Defensive Tactics training and Night Systems training. With the assistance of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212, the Moondogs worked on basic air maneuvers and conducted threat reaction flights. The sorties included one on one with the enemy in visual range and beyond visual range.
During this two-week deployment to Kadena, the Moondogs battled inclement weather and delays to complete their training, but the training they did receive will better prepare them for real life contingency operations.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
