VAQ-130

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 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). VAQ-130 is the oldest electronic warfare squadron in the U.S. Navy. The cornerstones of their command philosophy are STRENGTH and HONOR.

Squadron history
VAQ-130 was originally commissioned as Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirteen (VAW-13) flying AD-5Qs in 1959. On October 1, 1968, the squadron was re-designated Electronic Attack Squadron 130 and placed under Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Thirteen (VAQW-13). In March 1975, the Zappers relocated to their current homeport of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler. In December 2010, the Zappers 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 Zappers deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in July 2013 following a rigorous year long work-up cycle.