VAQ-135

Electronic Attack Squadron 135 (VAQ-135), known as the "Black Ravens", is a United States Navy electronic attack squadron that currently operates the EA-18G Growler carrier-based electronic warfare jet aircraft. The squadron is permanently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island with a radio callsign of "Thunder".

Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Five was established on 15 May 1969, to provide electronic warfare and aerial refueling support to carrier air wings. It was stationed at Naval Air Station Alameda. The squadron first flew the EKA-3B Skywarrior and deployed to both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.

In 1973, VAQ-135 relocated to NAS Whidbey Island and transitioned to the Grumman EA-6B Prowler.

The squadron first deployed with the EA-6B to the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and the Indian Ocean from January to September 1976 with Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) aboard USS Ranger. Following that deployment, VAQ-135 transitioned to the Improved Capability Prowler (ICAP) and became the first fleet EA-6B ICAP squadron. The squadron deployed with Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) aboard USS Nimitz from November 1977 to July 1978 to the Mediterranean Sea.

In January 1979, VAQ-135 commenced refresher training with Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) aboard USS Kitty Hawk and deployed to the Western Pacific in May 1979. During deployment, they received the Navy Expeditionary Medal for operations in the Indian Ocean during the Iranian hostage crisis, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and their first Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S" Award. They again deployed with CVW-15 aboard USS Kitty Hawk from April to November 1981. VAQ-135 participated in several major exercises throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans and received a second Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal for their participation in the rescue of Vietnamese boat people.

In May 1982, VAQ-135 was assigned to USS America and Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1). After completing work-ups, the squadron was transferred to USS Nimitz and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in November 1982 later receiving their second Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S" Award.

In 1984, the squadron deployed to USS America and CVW-1 from April until November 1984, receiving their third Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S" Award. In 1985, along with CVW-1 they participated in Ocean Safari ‘85, the largest NATO naval exercise to date, and received their second Meritorious Unit Commendation.

On the morning of 1 January 1986, VAQ-135 was deployed to support Sixth Fleet Battle Group operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Within 48 hours, they had sortied from NAS Whidbey Island, joined their new air wing Carrier Air Wing 13 (CVW-13) at sea on board USS Coral Sea and supported contingency operations underway in the central Mediterranean Sea. For the next five months, with no in-theater supply support, the squadron provided electronic warfare support to U.S. naval forces operating off the coast of Libya. The squadron took part in the successful strikes in the Gulf of Sidra in March 1986 and provided key close-support jamming services in the successful strikes on the Benina/Benghazi airfields in April of that year. As a result, the squadron was awarded two Navy Unit Commendations, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award for 1986.