VAQ-139

Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 139 (VAQ-139), also known as the "Cougars", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy. They specialize in electromagnetic attack and are currently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Part of Carrier Air Wing Seventeen, the Cougars deploy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz

Commanding Officer: CDR Miggins, Antonia
Executive Officer: CDR O'Donnell, Matthew
Command Master Chief: CMDCM Wallace, Michael

VAQ-139 became operational on 1 July 1983 under the command of Commander Richard A. Clark at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. The squadron participated in numerous exercises during their first year of operation. In 1985, the squadron embarked on their inaugural deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean on board USS Constellation as part of Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14).

In 1986, the squadron won the "triple crown" of the EA-6B Prowler community by winning the 1985 CNO Aviation Safety "S" Award, first place in the 1986 Battle Readiness Competition, and the 1985-86 Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Battle "E" Award. In 1987, the squadron earned a second CNO Safety "S", a Navy Unit Commendation and the Battle E for the squadron's second consecutive award. 1988 concluded with the squadron beginning their third Western Pacific / Indian Ocean deployment since their establishment.

After moving to USS Independence in late 1989, the squadron deployed in June 1990 on their fourth Western Pacific / Indian Ocean deployment. They were among the first U.S. forces responding to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait during Operation Desert Shield. The squadron led numerous missions deep into the Persian Gulf and significantly contributed to contingency planning in anticipation of Operation Desert Storm.

In 1993, the squadron moved to USS Carl Vinson and began their long work-up cycle. In February 1994, the squadron went to sea for their fifth Western Pacific / Indian Ocean deployment and were awarded the Prowler Tactical Excellence Award for superior performance throughout 1994.

In May 1996, the squadron earned the coveted "triple crown" for the second time, receiving the Battle "E", CNO Safety S, and Admiral Arthur W. Radford Award for the best Prowler squadron in the U.S. Navy. In 1997, the squadron deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln.

The squadron deployed on their seventh Western Pacific deployment in June 1998 in support of Operation Southern Watch and once again in August 2000. The squadron received the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle "E" for excellence in combat for calendar year 2000.