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Beacon Flash

In late January 1983, VAQ-136 executed an unprecedented 8300 mile cross deck deployment from NAF Atsugi, Japan to the meet USS America (CV-66)/CVW-1 in the Indian Ocean. During their three months with Carrier Air Wing ONE VAQ-136 operated with several NATO forces and participated in two Beacon Flash exercises. The Gauntlets returned to Japan in May 1983.

In May 1991, the VAQ 135 BLACK RAVENS deployed to the Western Pacific aboard LINCOLN and participated in Operation FIERY VIGIL, the evacuation of Air Force and Navy personnel from Subic Bay, Philippines. Later, while on station in the Persian Gulf, the BLACK RAVENS took part in the final stages of Operation DESERT STORM, as well as BEACON FLASH exercises with Oman and annual exercise operations with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces.

VF-102 DIAMONDBACKS boarded USS AMERICA in December 1991, for a six month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. Highlights of this cruise included Operation BEACON FLASH with the Omanis, EAGER ARCHER with the Kuwaitis, SAND STORM with the Saudis, and EBONY FLAME with the Djiboutis.

Fully trained with the first 50 Strike Fighter Air Wing configuration, CVW-2 embarked in CONSTELLATION on 10 November 1994 bound for the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf. During this deployment, CVW-2 played a major role in several joint and bilateral exercises including Beachcrest '94, Nautical Artist, Neon Arrow, Eager Archer, and Beacon Flash, while fulfilling U.S. national policy objectives in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH. Flying over 18,800 hours, the warfighting capability,

The VS-22 Checkmates departed the Arabian Gulf on 27 April 2001, aboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75), after four months of flying in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Operating in FIFTH FLEET'S Area of Responsibility, VS-22 conducted Electronic Surveillance missions, Maritime Interdiction Operations, and Armed Reconnaissance in support of Operation Southern Watch. They also participated in Exercise Beacon Flash with the Omani Air Force, and completed all day-to-day mission requirements with alarming success. Several pilots from CVW 3 participated in Exercises "BEACON FLASH" in Oman, "MAJOR MANAR" in Tunisia and "INFINITE ACCLAIM" in Jordan. For all involved, it was a chance to spend some time off the ship and work on their foreign relations with the various countries.