Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron
ONE THREE SIX

Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron ONE THREE SIX was established at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Washington on April 6, 1973. VAQ-136 has the distinction of being the fifth operational Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron to employ the EA-6B Prowler, and also is the first Prowler Squadron to be formed with no heritage passed down from a previous Naval Aviation Squadron or unit. Since their establishment in 1973, the VAQ-136 "Gauntlets" have integrated rapidly into several Carrier Air Wings. The "Gauntlets"' first two deployments were with CVW 11 aboard the USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63).

In 1977 the Gauntlets joined the CVW 7 aboard the USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) for a cruise to the Mediterranean, after which the squadron changed to the ICAP version of the EA-6B. After the transition to their new aircraft, the "Gauntlets" sailed to the Mediterranean again, this time with CVW 5 on the USS SARATOGA (CV 60). In 1980 the "Gauntlets" flew across the Pacific Ocean to their new home in Yokosuka, Japan with the USS MIDWAY (CV 41) and Carrier Air Wing Five. The 1980's were highlighted by numerous Gauntlet achievements such as: an unprecedented 8300 mile crossdeck deployment to the USS AMERICA (CV 66) in support of Indian Ocean operations in 1983; the record setting 111 day Indian Ocean at-sea period in 1984; the transition to ICAP II aircraft in 1986; and the cruise to support the Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea in 1988. The culmination of a decade of hard work was evidenced by 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 HARM missiles. The "Gauntlets" successfully suppressed the enemy's air defenses ensuring that CVW 5 did not lose a single aircraft to enemy fire. The "Gauntlets" proved that the Prowler is an indispensable part of the Navy's attack team.

A new chapter in "Gauntlet" history began on August 22, 1991. With the scheduled retirement of the USS MIDWAY (CV 41), the "Gauntlets" crossdecked to the United States' new forward deployed carrier, the USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

In the spring of 1992, the "Gauntlets" set out on cruise with the INDEPENDENCE and 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. After returning home for a brief stay, the "Gauntlets" got underway again in the spring of 1994, this time participating in the multi-national RIMPAC exercise. That summer saw the "Gauntlets" supporting U.S. policy during intense North Korean Contingency Operations. The "Gauntlets" remained busy through the rest of the year making training detachments to Guam, Korea, and Misawa. This busy schedule resulted in VAQ-136 being named the "Prowler Squadron of the Year for Tactical Excellence" for 1994.

The "Gauntlets" spent 1995 on the move. Starting with operations in the Yellow Sea, the "Gauntlets" proceeded south to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold off the coast of Thailand. Fall saw the squadron in the Middle East yet again participating in Operation Southern Watch. Following the successful conclusion of their Arabian Gulf excursion, the "Gauntlets" were awarded the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle "E", and Safety "S" for 1995.

Early in 1997, after an enjoyable Christmas break, the INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) commenced a four month cruise which would take them to Guam, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and then Hong Kong, the last U.S. carrier to port there before the reversion to Chinese control. Of course, the "Gauntlets" were aboard and routinely performed their electronic wizardry in support of such exercises as Tandem Thrust, with the Australians; Merlion, with Malaysia; and Cobra Gold, with the Thai armed forces. In October, CDR J. R. Mathis, the current Gauntlet skipper, assumed command of the squadron.

Throughout its twenty-three year history, VAQ-136 has been committed to excellence in every way, maintaining a prominent position in the Tactical Electronic Warfare community. The "Gauntlets" are proud to continue that commitment in serving with CV-62 and CVW-5 to support and defend their nation at the "Tip of the Sword."