| Electronic Attack Squadron 141 | |
|---|---|
|
File:Vaq-141.gif VAQ-141 insignia | |
| Country | United States |
| Branch |
 United States Navy |
| Role | Airborne Electronic Attack |
| Part of | Carrier Air Wing 5 |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Facility Atsugi |
| Nickname(s) | Shadowhawks |
| Motto(s) | “Ready on Arrival” |
| Engagements |
Operation Southern Watch Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Commander Michael J. Miller |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | EA-18G Growler |
Electronic Attack Squadron 141 (VAQ-141), also known as the "Shadowhawks", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy that is based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi. VAQ-141 falls under the command of Commander Electronic Attack Wing Pacific (COMVAQWINGPAC) and flies in support of Carrier Air Wing 5 aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73).
History[]
War on Terror[]
In April 2001, the squadron deployed as part of Carrier Air Wing 8 on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). They participated in exercises in the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea and took part in enforcing the Iraqi no-fly zones as part of Operation Southern Watch. The squadron was on its way home when the September 11 attacks occurred in New York City. Carrier Air Wing 8’s deployment was extended and they were sent to join other U.S. Navy assets in the northern Arabian Sea. Shortly thereafter, VAQ-141 provided electronic attack in support of coalition air and ground forces during the opening stages of the invasion of Afghanistan also known as Operation Enduring Freedom.[1]
In September 2005, The Shadowhawks once again deployed with CVW-8 to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While still in the Mediterranean 2 EA-6Bs and a detachment of support personnel from VAQ-141 left CVW-8's home, The USS Theodore Roosevelt and flew to Al Asad air base to augment VMAQ-1 to fill the void left by the previous carrier leaving the AOR. With this, VAQ-141 became the first EA-6B squadron to conduct split ship-shore operations in Iraq.[2]
In September 2008 VAQ-141 departed Naval Station Norfolk aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The Ship steamed south to visit Cape Town South Africa, and in doing so, the Roosevelt became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to visit the port. The ship soon rounded the Cape of Good Hope and sailed north, Setting up station in the North Persian Gulf, Flying missions in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan. In April 2009, VAQ-141 flew off the Roosevelt and into history landing in NAS Whidbey Island for the last time as an EA-6B squadron.[3][4]
On February 12, 2010, the Shadowhawks were deemed "safe for flight" with the EA-18G Growler, becoming the second operational squadron to transition to the aircraft.[5]
In July 2011, the squadron deployed to the Middle East aboard the carrier George Bush. During the deployment, the squadron's commanding officer, Commander Karl Pugh, was removed as CO after an "alcohol-related incident" in Bahrain.[6]
In February 2012, the Navy announced that the Shadowhawks would be transferred to NAS Atsugi in the spring of 2012 to join Carrier Air Wing 5 and the USS George Washington (CVN-73) replacing VAQ-136.[7]
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ McGowan, Tom (2002-09-01). "VAQ-141 Shadowhawks: "Ready on Arrival"". Naval Aviation News. Department of the Navy, Naval Historical Center. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VAQ-141+Shadowhawks:+%22Ready+on+Arrival%22-a094262333. Retrieved 2009-03-05.
- ↑ Murphy, Stephen (2005-10-12). "VAQ-141 Supports Troops in Al Asad". Navy Newsstand. Department of the Navy. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20549. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
- ↑ Yates, Tucker (2009-04-23). "Shadowhawks return from carrier deployment". Northwest Navigator. Sound Publishing, Inc.. http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/whidbey/shadowhawks_return_from_carrier_deployment/. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
- ↑ Kerrick, Adam (2008-10-02). "Shadowhawks sail into history". Northwest Navigator. Sound Publishing, Inc.. http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/whidbey/shadowhawks_sail_into_history/. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
- ↑ www.northwestnavigator.com
- ↑ Fuentes, Gidget, "Growler squadron CO fired on deployment", Military Times, 19 July 2011.
- ↑ Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan press release R-12-12
External links[]
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Electronic Attack Squadron 141 (United States Navy). |
- VAQ-141 at globalsecurity.org
- VAQ-141 Shadowhawks EA-18G Growler: Photo walk around of two aircraft including the CAG bird.
- VAQ Shadowhawks: "Ready on Arrival" - Naval Aviation News (September–October 2002)
The original article can be found at VAQ-141 and the edit history here.