Electronic Attack Squadrons to be deactivated?
The US Navy proposes to deactivate all expeditionary electronic attack (VAQ) squadrons in order to save money. The five expeditionary VAQ squadrons, operating around a third of all EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, are responsible for supporting US Air Force and Navy shore-based missions.
The squadrons deploy to overseas bases to provide electronic attack capabilities to the joint force. These expeditionary squadrons are separate from the US Navy’s VAQ squadrons that deploy on aircraft carriers.
The proposal was laid out in the recently released Department of the Navy’s FY2023 budget highlights book. The FY23 budget book says the five squadrons include a total of 25 EA-18Gs which would be placed in storage at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan AFB (AZ), half in fiscal 2024 and half in fiscal 2025. The cuts also would free up approximately 1,020 officer and enlisted personnel. The Navy estimates the savings over the Future Years Defense Plan would be USD 808 million.
The following squadrons, all based at NAS Whidbey Island (WA), are involved: VAQ-131 Lancers ('NL-55x'), VAQ-132 Scorpions ('NL-54x'), VAQ-134 Garudas ('NL-53x'), VAQ-135 Black Ravens ('NL-52x') and VAQ-138 Yellowjackets ('NL-51x').
These units are considered high-demand/high-value assets by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The assessments of the various regional combatant commanders may be instrumental in reversing or mitigating the Navy’s proposal.
Photo by Frank Noort