The VAQ-139 Cougars were certified as combat-ready during pre-deployment work-ups aboard the USS Carl Vinson in June. VAQ-139 spent four weeks off the coast of California completing the first West Coast EA-18G Composite Training Unit Exercise and Joint Task Force Exercise.

During the first half of the certification exercise, VAQ-139 conducted flight operations with its normal arsenal of five EA-18G Growlers. VAQ-139 teamed up with the VAQ-130 Zappers to test the Aviation Electronic Attack Surge capabilities of an eight jet squadron. The Zappers flew out three additional aircraft and twenty-eight augmentation maintenance personnel and aircrew who integrated into the Cougar team.

Cmdr. William Fraser, commanding officer of VAQ-139, said the Cougars and Zappers were privileged to take part in laying the foundation of future electronic warfare operations within the carrier strike group.

“With the help of professional, deployment-tested personnel from the Zappers, we successfully employed an eight jet squadron across a wide range of mission sets,” said Fraser. “I think the potential for added (electronic attack) capability in carrier air wings will significantly increase U.S. combat air force’s survivability and lethality.”

Capt. Darryl Walker, commander Electronic Attack Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet, said the squadrons proved that “Team Whidbey” and the electronic attack community are unique and capable of operating “anywhere or anytime.”