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*10 May-13 December 1965, Detachment 62 A-3Bs were embarked on {{USS|Independence|CV-62|6}} |
*10 May-13 December 1965, Detachment 62 A-3Bs were embarked on {{USS|Independence|CV-62|6}} |
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*28 September 1965 – 13 May 1966, Detachment B A-3Bs were embarked on {{USS|Ticonderoga|CV-14|6}} |
*28 September 1965 – 13 May 1966, Detachment B A-3Bs were embarked on {{USS|Ticonderoga|CV-14|6}} |
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*19 October 1965 – 13 June 1966, Detachment C A-3Bs were embarked on {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|6}} On 12 April 1966 the [[People' Republic of China]] claimed to have shot down a U.S. aircraft over the [[Leizhou Peninsula]]. The aircraft was identified as being |
*19 October 1965 – 13 June 1966, Detachment C A-3Bs were embarked on {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|6}} On 12 April 1966 the [[People' Republic of China]] claimed to have shot down a U.S. aircraft over the [[Leizhou Peninsula]]. The aircraft was identified as being squadron KA-3B #142653 which disappeared en route from [[Naval Air Station Cubi Point]] to the ''Kitty Hawk'' with three crewmen onboard.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service//frd/pwmia/132/37427.pdf|title=Statement concerning continuation of missing in action status|date=12 April 1967|accessdate=19 October 2021}}</ref> |
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*26 October 1965 – 21 June 1966, Detachment M A-3Bs were embarked on {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|6}} |
*26 October 1965 – 21 June 1966, Detachment M A-3Bs were embarked on {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|6}} |
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*29 May-16 November 1966, Detachment G A-3Bs were embarked on {{USS|Oriskany|CV-34|6}} |
*29 May-16 November 1966, Detachment G A-3Bs were embarked on {{USS|Oriskany|CV-34|6}} |
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| Electronic Attack Squadron 131 | |
|---|---|
VAQ-131 insignia
| |
| Active | 1946 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Role | SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) |
| Part of | Carrier Air Wing 8 |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Whidbey Island |
| Nickname(s) | Fourunners (VAH-4) Lancers (VAQ 131) |
| Motto(s) | The Tip of the Spear |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Commander Ryan mattson, USN |
Electronic 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 and are part of Carrier Air Wing 8, deploying aboard USS Gerald R. Ford.[1] Their radio callsign is "Skybolt."
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:[2]
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.[4]
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.[5] 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:
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| Electronic Attack (VAQ) |
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| Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) |
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| Strike Fighter (VFA) |
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| Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ) |
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| Fleet Fighter Composite (VFC) |
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| Fleet Logistics Support (VR) |
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| Carrier Fleet Logistics Support (VRC) |
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| Carrier Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission (VRM) |
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| Patrol |
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| Unmanned (VUP) |
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| Training (VT) |
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| Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM) |
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| Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) |
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| Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) |
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| Helicopter Training (HT) |
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