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]

Boeing EA-18G of VAQ-144
Electronic Attack Squadron 144
Active1 October 2021 - Present
(2 years)
Country United States
Branch United States Navy
TypeElectronic Attack
RoleElectronic Warfare
Part of Carrier Air Wing One
Garrison/HQ NAS Whidbey Island
Nickname(s)Main Battery
Motto(s)“Dealers of deception in the dark”
Colors #ec6924  #be5227  #000000 
Mascot(s)Devil
Websitehttps://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Electronic-Attack-Squadron-VAQ-144/
Commanders
Commanding OfficerCDR. Jason “Murse” Windom
Executive OfficerCAPT. Brant “Probie” Schmall
Command Senior ChiefCMDCS. Samuel Statler
Insignia
CallsignDEVIL
Modex5XX[1]
Tail CodeAB
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]

VA-196 KA-6D Intruder in flight c. 1982

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]

See also

References

  1. "Milcom Monitoring Post: USN Aircraft Modex Numbers". Milcom Monitoring Post. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
  2. "History". www.airpac.navy.mil.
  3. "About US". www.airpac.navy.mil.
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