VAQ-128, nicknamed the Fighting Phoenix, was an Electronic Attack Squadron of the U.S. Navy, based at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. It was established on 9 October 1997 as an expeditionary EA-6B Prowler squadron to provide airborne radar jamming and deception support to Navy and Air Force units when the Air Force's EF-111A Raven was retired from service. The squadron included both Navy and Air Force personnel.[1]

VAQ-128
VAQ-128 EA-6B in 2003
Active9 October 1997 - September 2004
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Navy
RoleElectronic warfare aircraft
Part ofInactive
Nickname(s)Fighting Phoenix
Aircraft flown
Electronic
warfare
EA-6B Prowler

Operational history edit

 
VAQ-128 EA-6B launches an AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile at NAS Point Mugu in 1999

Its deployments took VAQ-128 aircrews to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Sicily and Japan in support of Operations Southern Watch, Desert Fox, Northern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. It returned from its final deployment in January 2004, and was deactivated in September of that year.[1]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Leland, Wendy, ed. (1 July 2004). "Airscoop: VAQ-128 Deactivated" (PDF). Naval Aviation News. 86 (5): 9. Retrieved 31 January 2014.