Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE SIX was established at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Washington on April 6, 1973. In 1980 the Gauntlets flew to their new home in Japan with the USS MIDWAY (CV 41) and Carrier Air Wing FIVE. The culmination of a decade of hard work was evident with the Gauntlets being awarded the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle Efficiency Award (the “E”), and the Safety “S
” in 1989. On January 16, 1991 the Gauntlets were the first Prowler squadron to fly a strike against Iraq in support of Operation DESERT STORM. During the 43-day war against Iraq, the Gauntlets flew 466.9 hours in combat and fired 28 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles. The Gauntlets successfully suppressed the enemy’s air defenses ensuring that CVW-5 did not lose a single aircraft to enemy fire. In the spring of 1992, the Gauntlets became the first Prowler squadron to fly in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. For their role in setting up Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, the Gauntlets received the Pacific Fleet Battle “E” award for 1992. In addition, the Gauntlets received the Radford Award for being the best EA-6B squadron in the Navy, the Association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. In 1994, Gauntlet proficiency resulted in VAQ-136 being named the “Prowler Squadron of the Year for Tactical Excellence”. In January 1998, they received an emergency no-notice deployment order to the Arabian Gulf and just fifteen days after receiving the order, the Gauntlets went from holiday routine to fully carrier-qualified and underway in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Returning to Japan in August 1998, the Gauntlets received the news that they had won the Safety “S” for the first half of 1998, followed six months later by receipt of the 1998 COMNAVAIRPAC Battle “E”. In 1999, the KITTY HAWK (CV 63) was ordered to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Following 9/11/01, the Gauntlet mission shifted, with the squadron mobilizing to engage the Global War on Terror. Returning to the Arabian Gulf in 2003, VAQ-136 was among the first to fly in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Gauntlet aircrew flew over 500 hours in 117 combat missions, supporting strike packages, SOF infiltration, and “Kill Box” operations. Gauntlet jamming coupled with 6 HARM ensured no CVW-5 aircraft were lost to enemy fire. In 2008, VAQ-136 left the Western Pacific with USS KITTY HAWK to cross-deck to the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in San Diego, CA. During that time, the Gauntlets returned to NAS Whidbey Island for the first time in more than 20 years to participate in the Electronic Attack Week. They returned to Japan onboard GEORGE WASHINGTON, which became the first forward-deployed, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. In 2009, the Gauntlets’ two deployments included operations off the Korean peninsula, Exercise TALISMAN SABER, and ANNUALEX. In February 2010, they participated in Exercise COPE NORTH 2010 on Anderson AFB, Guam. Radford Award, 2009 Battle “E” award, 2009 COMVAQWINGPAC Maintenance Squadron of the Year award and received the CVW-5 Golden Wrench Maintenance Award for the second quarter in a row. Throughout its thirty-seven year history, VAQ-136 has been committed to excellence in every way, maintaining a prominent position in the Electronic Attack Community. The Gauntlets are proud to continue that commitment in serving with the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON and CVW-5 to support and defend the United States of America at the “Tip of the Sword.”
