VAQ-144
Electronic Attack Squadron 144 (VAQ-144), “Main Battery", is a United States Navy aircraft squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, flying the EA-18G Growler.[3]
![](../I/VAQ-144_Jet.jpg.webp)
Electronic Attack Squadron 144 | |
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Active | 1 October 2021 - Present (2 years) |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Electronic Attack |
Role | Electronic Warfare |
Part of | ![]() |
Garrison/HQ | ![]() |
Nickname(s) | Main Battery |
Motto(s) | “Dealers of deception in the dark” |
Colors | #ec6924 #be5227 #000000 |
Mascot(s) | Devil |
Website | https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Electronic-Attack-Squadron-VAQ-144/ |
Commanders | |
Commanding Officer | CDR. Jason “Murse” Windom |
Executive Officer | CAPT. Brant “Probie” Schmall |
Command Senior Chief | CMDCS. Samuel Statler |
Insignia | |
Callsign | DEVIL |
Modex | 5XX[1] |
Tail Code | AB |
Aircraft flown | |
Electronic warfare | EA-18G Growler (2023-Present) [2] |
History
VAQ-144 can trace its origins to the former Grumman A-6 Intruder squadron VA-196 formerly also based at NAS Whidbey Island that was disestablished in 1997 as the last operational A-6 squadron on the west coast.[2]
![](../I/KA-6D_Intruder_of_VA-196_in_flight_c1982.jpg.webp)
VAQ-144
In September 2019 the Navy transitioned a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) VAQ squadron out of the carrier environment to meet demands as an expeditionary unit. The gap in CVW Electronic Attack coverage showed a need for a 15th operational VAQ squadron. VAQ-144 was established on 1 Oct 2021 to meet this demand with a requirement to meet scheduled milestones and achieve full operational capability in fiscal year 2023. In the spring of 2023, the squadron received its first independent aircraft flown with VAQ-144 markings.[3]
References
- "Milcom Monitoring Post: USN Aircraft Modex Numbers". Milcom Monitoring Post. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
- "History". www.airpac.navy.mil.
- "About US". www.airpac.navy.mil.