VMAQ-2

• Origins in Electronic Warfare: Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 (VMAQ-2) was originally established as VMC-2 in 1952, making it one of the earliest dedicated electronic warfare units in the U.S. military. • Nickname "Playboys": The squadron adopted the "Playboys" moniker in the late 1950s, complete with the famous rabbit insignia, although they later changed it due to copyright issues. • Vietnam War Operations: VMAQ-2 played a vital role in electronic countermeasures and reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War, using the EA-6A Intruder to jam enemy radar and protect strike aircraft. • Transition to the EA-6B Prowler: In the late 1970s, the squadron became the first Marine Corps unit to operate the EA-6B Prowler, a state-of-the-art electronic warfare aircraft. • Gulf War Contributions: VMAQ-2 deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing critical electronic warfare support to coalition air forces. • Global Deployments: The squadron was unique for its frequent "split-site" operations, with detachments deployed simultaneously to different global hotspots, including NATO operations in Kosovo and the Balkans. • Distinguished Unit Honors: VMAQ-2 earned multiple Navy Unit Commendations and Meritorious Unit Commendations for its performance in numerous conflicts and crisis responses over several decades. • Callsigns and Sub-Units: Over the years, VMAQ-2 was subdivided into detachments with their own callsigns, such as "Death Jesters," "Playboys," "Panthers," and "Moondogs," each with a distinct patch and identity. • Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan: The squadron deployed repeatedly in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, conducting electronic attack missions to suppress enemy communications and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). • Final Deactivation: After more than 65 years of service, VMAQ-2 was deactivated in March 2019, marking the end of the Marine Corps' dedicated EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare squadrons.