Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 131 (VAQ-131), also known as the "Lancers," is a United States Navy tactical jet aircraft squadron specializing in kinetic and non-kinetic Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). They are based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, flying the EA-18G Growler.[4] Their radio callsign is "Skybolt."
| Electronic Attack Squadron 131 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1 February 1946 - Present (78 years, 4 months) |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | Electronic Attack |
| Role | Electronic Warfare |
| Part of |  Electronic Attack Wing Pacific |
| Garrison/HQ |  NAS Whidbey Island |
| Nickname(s) | Lancers |
| Motto(s) | Tip of the Spear |
| Colors | #2a2e60 #fac72d |
| Mascot(s) | Spartan |
| Engagements | Iran hostage crisis Multinational Force in Lebanon Operation Urgent Fury Operation Quick Force Operation Restore Hope Operation Southern Watch Operation Unified Assistance Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom Operation New Dawn Operation Inherent Resolve [1] |
| Decorations | Prowler Squadron of the Year Award [1] |
| Website | https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Electronic-Attack-Squadron-VAQ-131/ |
| Commanders | |
| Commanding Officer | CDR. James C. Jordan |
| Executive Officer | CDR. Kyle D. Hanford |
| Command Master Chief | CMDCM. Andrew J. Jenkins |
| Insignia | |
| Callsign | SKYBOLT[2] |
| Modex | 55X[3] |
| Tail Code | NL |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Bomber | KA/A-3B Skywarrior (1956-1968) |
| Electronic warfare | EKA-3B Skywarrior (1968-1971) EA-6B Prowler(1971-2014) EA-18G Growler(2014-Present) |
| Patrol | P2V Neptune (1946-1956) [1] |
VAQ-131 was originally established as Patrol Squadron 931 (VP-931). From 1946 through 1955, VP-931 flew the P2V Neptune.
In 1956, the squadron transitioned to the A-3 Skywarrior and was redesignated as Heavy Attack Squadron 4 (VAH-4).
During the Vietnam War detachments from VAH-4 were deployed on the following aircraft carriers operating on Yankee and Dixie Stations:[5]
In addition to the carrier deployments, in 1966 a detachment of KA-3Bs was also sent to operate from NAS Cubi Point and Da Nang Air Base.[7]
In November 1968, VAH-4 received the EKA-3 version of the Skywarrior and was redesignated as Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 131 (VAQ-131). In 1971, they became the second squadron in the U.S. Navy to receive the Standard version of the EA-6B Prowler. The squadron transitioned to the Expanded Capability (EXCAP) version of the Prowler in 1976, to the Improved Capablility (ICAP) Prowler in 1978, and to the ICAP II Prowler in 1984.[8] In May 2014, they transitioned to the Boeing EA-18G Growler, which they currently operate. The EA-18G expanded the squadron's capabilities to enable more effective prosecution of radar and Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) sites in an Integrated Air Defense System (IADS), both through air-to-ground weapon employment and precision electronic attack, the latter being the Growler's niche capability. The EA-18G is also a capable air-to-air combat platform.
The squadron was assigned to these home ports: