VAQ-136

Electronic Attack Squadron 136 (VAQ-136) "Gauntlets" is a United States Navy Electronic attack squadron flying the EA-18G Growler and is currently attached to Carrier Air Wing Two, deploy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson a composite unit made up of a wide array of aircraft performing a variety of combat and support missions including F2T2EA. The squadron is currently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Since establishment in 1969, VAQ-136 has been associated with several Carrier Air Wings. The squadron's first two deployments were with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk. In 1977 the squadron joined CVW-7 aboard USS Independence for a cruise to the Mediterranean, after which the squadron changed to the Improved Capability (ICAP) version of the EA-6B. After the transition to their new aircraft, the squadron deployed to the Mediterranean again, this time with CVW-7 on USS Independence.

In 1980 the squadron flew across the Pacific Ocean to their new home in NAF Atsugi, Japan with Carrier Air Wing Five and USS Midway, based at Yokosuka. The squadron conducted an 8300 mile cross-deck deployment to USS America in support of Indian Ocean operations in 1983, and a record-setting 111 day Indian Ocean at sea period (101 days out of sight of land) in 1984. In 1987 the Commanding Officer of 136 and his three junior officers Lt John Carter (pilot), LT Doug Hora and LT Dave Gibson went missing during a routine night EMCON flight in the Indian Ocean. Commander Justin Greene was on the verge of completing his 1,000th carrier arrestment, his celebration cake was given a respectful deposit at sea uneaten. The plane and officers have never been found. The eulogy during USS Midway's memorial service was delivered by Navy Lieutenant Daniel Shanower who later died (Captain US Navy) on 11 September 2001 at the Pentagon. In 1986, the squadron transitioned to ICAP II aircraft and deployed to support the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea. The squadron was awarded the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle Efficiency "E", and the Safety "S" in 1989.

On 16 April 1990, as part of the Cope Thunder exercise, the squadron successfully fired a live AGM-88 HARM missile at a U.S. Air Force target radar off the coast of the Philippines. It was the first AGM-88 fired in WESTPAC and the missile completely destroyed its target.

On 17 January 1991 the squadron flew strikes against Iraq in support of Operation Desert Storm. During the 43-day war, the squadron fired 28 AGM-88s against Iraqi air defenses, ensuring that CVW-5 did not lose any aircraft to enemy fire.

On 22 August 1991, the squadron cross-decked from USS Midway with CVW-5 to USS Independence at Naval Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. During this transfer it received several new EA-6Bs, including BuNo 163045 which would be later on be involved in a cable car accident in 1998. In early 1992, the squadron deployed with USS Independence in support of Operation Southern Watch. The squadron received the Pacific Fleet Battle Efficiency "E" award for 1992, the Radford Award for being the best EA-6B squadron in the Navy, the Association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

In 1993 the squadron sailed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. That summer saw the squadron supporting U.S. policy during intense North Korean Contingency Operations. VAQ-136 was named the "Prowler Squadron of the Year for Tactical Excellence" for 1994.

The squadron began 1995 with operations in the Yellow Sea before proceeding south to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold off the coast of Thailand. They then moved to the Middle East yet again participating in Operation Southern Watch. The squadron were awarded the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle Efficiency "E", and Safety "S" for 1995.