Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

VMAQ-4

U.S. Marine Corps•9 members

VMAQ-4 Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the VMAQ-4?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

VMAQ-4

U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 (VMAQ-4), also known as the "Seahawks," was a United States Marine Corps electronic warfare squadron established in 1981. The unit operated the EA-6B Prowler, providing tactical electronic warfare support, including jamming enemy radar and communications, to Marine and joint forces. VMAQ-4 participated in major operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron was deactivated on June 2, 2017, as part of the Marine Corps' transition away from the EA-6B platform.

About VMAQ-4

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in Electronic Warfare: VMAQ-4, known as the "Seahawks," was a United States Marine Corps electronic warfare squadron, originally activated in 1981 to provide tactical jamming and electronic countermeasures.
EA-6B Prowler Operators: The squadron flew the EA-6B Prowler, a specialized jet designed to suppress enemy air defenses and gather electronic intelligence.
Distinctive Tail Code: VMAQ-4 aircraft were known by the tail code "RM" and often featured a striking blue and gold tail flash, representing their Seahawks heritage.
Cold War Missions: The unit conducted numerous Cold War electronic warfare missions, supporting NATO and U.S. operations in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Combat Deployments: VMAQ-4 deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Deny Flight, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing critical jamming support.
Notable Home Bases: The squadron was based at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, but also operated from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, and Aviano Air Base, Italy, during various deployments.
Last of the Prowlers: VMAQ-4 was the last active Marine Corps Prowler squadron, officially deactivating in June 2017 as the EA-6B retired from Marine service.
Unit Awards: Over its history, VMAQ-4 earned numerous unit commendations and awards for outstanding performance during combat and peacetime operations.
Unique Nickname: Known as the "Seahawks," the squadron's insignia featured a fierce, stylized seahawk clutching a lightning bolt, symbolizing their electronic attack mission.
Legacy and Transition: After VMAQ-4's deactivation, the Marine Corps transitioned to new electronic warfare and cyber capabilities, marking the end of an era for dedicated Marine electronic attack squadrons.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

VMAQ-4

U.S. Marine Corps•9 members

VMAQ-4 Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the VMAQ-4?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

VMAQ-4

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

James Ainsworth Sr (OJ)

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1988 - 1991

Message View Profile

Rob DiGiacomo

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1995 - Present

Message View Profile

Evan Patrerson

U.S. Marine Corps · 1984 - 1988

Message View Profile

Eladio Ortiz

U.S. Marine Corps · 1982 - 1984

Message View Profile

View all members

Marine Corps photos

View all photos

About VMAQ-4

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in Electronic Warfare: VMAQ-4, known as the "Seahawks," was a United States Marine Corps electronic warfare squadron, originally activated in 1981 to provide tactical jamming and electronic countermeasures.
EA-6B Prowler Operators: The squadron flew the EA-6B Prowler, a specialized jet designed to suppress enemy air defenses and gather electronic intelligence.
Distinctive Tail Code: VMAQ-4 aircraft were known by the tail code "RM" and often featured a striking blue and gold tail flash, representing their Seahawks heritage.
Cold War Missions: The unit conducted numerous Cold War electronic warfare missions, supporting NATO and U.S. operations in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Combat Deployments: VMAQ-4 deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Deny Flight, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing critical jamming support.
Notable Home Bases: The squadron was based at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, but also operated from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, and Aviano Air Base, Italy, during various deployments.
Last of the Prowlers: VMAQ-4 was the last active Marine Corps Prowler squadron, officially deactivating in June 2017 as the EA-6B retired from Marine service.
Unit Awards: Over its history, VMAQ-4 earned numerous unit commendations and awards for outstanding performance during combat and peacetime operations.
Unique Nickname: Known as the "Seahawks," the squadron's insignia featured a fierce, stylized seahawk clutching a lightning bolt, symbolizing their electronic attack mission.
Legacy and Transition: After VMAQ-4's deactivation, the Marine Corps transitioned to new electronic warfare and cyber capabilities, marking the end of an era for dedicated Marine electronic attack squadrons.