Lancers, as you know, the VAQ-131 is one of the U.S. Navy’s premier electronic warfare squadrons. Its distinguished history spans multiple conflicts, and with its evolving role in modern warfare, VAQ-131 continues to provide essential electronic attack (EA) capabilities, ensuring the U.S. military maintains air superiority and dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum. Based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington State, the squadron flies the EA-18G Growler, a cutting-edge electronic warfare aircraft designed for suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and electromagnetic spectrum control.

Origins and Vietnam War Service

VAQ-131 traces its roots back to February 1, 1946, when it was first established as Patrol Squadron 931 (VP-931). After several redesignations and mission evolutions, the squadron became Heavy Attack Squadron 4 (VAH-4) in 1956, flying the A-3 Skywarrior, before transitioning to electronic warfare in 1968 and adopting the designation VAQ-131.

During the Vietnam War, VAQ-131 played a pivotal role in electronic warfare support. Flying the EKA-3B Skywarrior, which doubled as an aerial refueling tanker, and later the EA-6B Prowler, the squadron conducted critical missions to jam enemy radar and communications, protect U.S. strike aircraft from surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and provide signals intelligence (SIGINT). These operations significantly reduced the effectiveness of North Vietnamese air defenses and allowed U.S. pilots to carry out their missions with greater survivability.

Operations in the Gulf War and the Global War on Terror

VAQ-131 continued to refine its electronic warfare capabilities in later conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where it helped neutralize Iraq’s extensive air defense network. In the Global War on Terror, VAQ-131 provided electronic attack support in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), ensuring U.S. forces could operate in contested environments without significant interference from enemy air defenses or communications.

Modern Electronic Attack Capabilities

Today, as mentioned, the VAQ-131 operates the EA-18G Growler, a highly specialized variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet designed for electronic warfare. The Growler is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic attack (EA) systems, making it one of the most critical assets in modern warfare. Its capabilities include:

• Radar Jamming and Deception
• Communications Disruption
• Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM) Strikes
• Electromagnetic Spectrum Control
• Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) and Emerging Technologies

Expeditionary Operations and Future Deployments

VAQ-131 is an expeditionary squadron, meaning it can deploy both on aircraft carriers and from land bases worldwide. Recent missions have seen the squadron supporting operations in the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, and Europe, reinforcing U.S. and allied air dominance in strategically vital regions.

The squadron is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) and has been integrated into carrier strike group operations aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) and, in the future, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). Its ability to rapidly deploy and adapt to evolving threats makes it one of the most versatile units in the U.S. Navy.

As electronic warfare becomes increasingly critical in modern and future conflicts, the Lancers of VAQ-131 will continue to serve as a guardian of the skies, safeguarding the operational success of U.S. and allied forces. The squadron’s dedication to its mission ensures that the U.S. military maintains electromagnetic dominance, protecting American and allied forces in the most contested environments.

You Deliver! And Proven Arms & Outfitters is honored to assist with your commemorative firearm.