| Unit Name: | Electronic Attack Squadron 130 |
| Dates: | 1 September 1959 - Present |
| Type: | Electronic Attack |
| Role: | Electronic Warfare |
| Nickname: | Zappers |
| Motto: | "Zap Zap, Dominate", "Fly Fast, Talk Trash, E.A." |
| Mascot: | Robbie the Dragon |
| Battles: | Vietnam War Operation Desert Shield Operation Desert Storm Operation Provide Promise Operation Southern Watch Operation Deny Flight Operation Deliberate Force Operation Deliberate Guard Operation Desert Fox Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Majestic Eagle Operation Enduring Freedom Operation New Dawn Operation Inherent Resolve [1] Operation Prosperity Guardian 2024 missile strikes in Yemen |
| Decorations: | Safety "S" (4) Battle "E" (3) Admiral Arthur W. Radford Award (2) Prowler Squadron of the Year Award (3) Association of Old Crows- Outstanding Unit Award |
| Website: | https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Electronic-Attack-Squadron-VAQ-130/ |
| Commander1: | CDR. Carl "Chex" Ellsworth |
| Commander1 Label: | Commanding Officer |
| Commander2: | CDR. Timothy Warburton |
| Commander2 Label: | Executive Officer |
| Commander3: | CMDCM. Frank H. Wilson Jr. |
| Commander3 Label: | Command Master Chief |
| Identification Symbol: | ZAPPER[2] |
| Identification Symbol Label: | Callsign |
| Identification Symbol 2: | 5XX[3] |
| Identification Symbol 2 Label: | Modex |
| Identification Symbol 3: | AC[4] |
| Identification Symbol 3 Label: | Tail Code |
| Aircraft Electronic: | EA-1E/F Skyraider (1959-1968) EKA-3B Skywarrior (1968-1975 EA-6B Prowler(1975-2011) EA-18G Growler(2011-Present) [5] [6] |
Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130), also known as the "Zappers", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy based aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Part of Carrier Air Wing 3, the Zappers deploy aboard the aircraft carrier . VAQ-130 is the oldest electronic warfare squadron in the U.S. Navy.[1]
In 2017, Two naval aviators attached to VAQ-130 were disciplined for drawing a phallus in the sky over Okanogan County, Washington[7]
The squadron was originally commissioned as Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirteen (VAW-13) flying AD-5Qs in 1959.
During the Vietnam War detachments from VAW-13 were deployed on the following aircraft carriers operating on Yankee and Dixie Stations:[1]
On 1 October 1968, the squadron was re-designated Electronic Attack Squadron 130 and placed under Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Thirteen (VAQW-13).
VAQ-130 detachments continued to deploy in support of the Vietnam War as follows:[1]
In March 1975, the squadron relocated to their current homeport of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler.
In December 2010, the squadron returned from their last fleet deployment flying the EA-6B Prowler and began transition training in March 2011 to the EA-18G Growler; the Zappers completed transition training in November 2011. The squadron deployed aboard in July 2013 following a year-long work-up cycle.
In August 2020, the squadron returns from its 206-day deployment aboard the, earning the Iron Shellback status for crossing the line after 100 days without hitting a port. The deployment broke the record for longest deployment without hitting a port, breaking the last record holder to the with 160 consecutive days.
In October 2023, VAQ-130 began a combat deployment within Air Wing Three onboard the USS Eisenhower. The deployment focused heavily within the CENTCOM AOR. For the majority of the deployment, VAQ-130 operated off the deck of the Eisenhower while in the Red Sea, with some operations conducted from US land bases in theater. Extensive combat operations were conducted by VAQ-130 against Houthi-Iranian military units in Yemen.
During the deployment, the Zappers destroyed a Houthi-Iranian Mi-24/35 Hind helicopter on the ground, while conducting strikes in Yemen.[8] VAQ-130 was heavily involved in defensive and offensive operations against Houthi-Iranian attacks against International Shipping Lanes and Israel.