Squadron History The WORLD FAMOUS BLACK RAVENS of Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE FIVE were established on 15 May 1969 to provide electronic warfare in support of carrier air wings. Homeported at NAS Alameda, California, the BLACK RAVENS first flew the Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior. In 1973, VAQ-135 relocated to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, and transitioned to the Grumman EA-6B Prowler. The BLACK RAVENS first deployed with the EA-6B to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean from January to September 1976. Following that deployment, VAQ-135 transitioned to the Improved Capability Prowler (ICAP) and became the first fleet EA-6B ICAP squadron. With the venerable EA-6B, the BLACK RAVENS deployed onboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) with CVW-15, USS AMERICA (CV 66) with CVW-1, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) and USS NIMITZ with CVW-11. In June 2011, the BLACK RAVENS were designated safe for flight in the EA-18G Growler. At the same time, they transitioned to the expeditionary role, reporting to Commander Electronic Attack Wing, US Pacific Fleet. The BLACK RAVENS made their maiden deployment in the EA-18G to the CENTCOM and EUCOM areas of responsibility in the summer of 2012. The Command has taken an active role in the following exercises and operations during its storied history: OCEAN SAFARI '85, PRAYING MANTIS, PACEX '89, FIERY VIGIL, RIMPAC '96, SOUTHERN WATCH, DESERT FOX, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, TRIAL MACE, SOUTHERN STRIKE, TUMBLEWEED, COPE NORTH '15, MCSOFEX, and numerous RED FLAG events. The squadron has earned various awards including the Navy Unit Commendation, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, CVW-11 Golden Wrench for maintenance excellence, 1986 and 2013 Association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award, 2014 Tactical Excellence Award, multiple Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S" Awards and multiple Battle Efficiency "E" Awards. Additionally, in August 2015 the WORLD FAMOUS BLACK RAVENS returned home from an expeditionary deployment to the Pacific Command area of responsibility. For six months, VAQ-135 operated primarily from Misawa Air Base, Japan, to test and refine their tactical capabilities as well as increase interoperability with U.S. and international units throughout the Pacific. The Command has taken an active role in the following exercises and operations during its storied history: OCEAN SAFARI '85, PRAYING MANTIS, PACEX '89, FIERY VIGIL, RIMPAC '96, SOUTHERN WATCH, DESERT FOX, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, TRIAL MACE, SOUTHERN STRIKE, TUMBLEWEED, COPE NORTH '15, MCSOFEX, INHERENT RESOLVE, and numerous RED FLAG events. The squadron has earned various awards including the Navy Unit Commendation; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; the Navy Expeditionary Medal; CVW-11 Golden Wrench for maintenance excellence, 1986, 2013, 2017, and 2019 Association of Old Crows Outstanding Unit Award; 2014, 2017, and 2019 Tactical Excellence Award, multiple Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S" Awards and multiple Battle Efficiency "E" Awards. Additionally, in April 2019 the WORLD FAMOUS BLACK RAVENS returned home from an expeditionary combat deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility. For six months, VAQ-135 operated from Al Udied Air Base, Qatar, flying combat missions in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and INHERENT RESOLVE.