About this Unit
Electronic Attack Squadron 128 (VAQ-128), known as the "Fighting Phoenix," was a United States Navy electronic warfare squadron established in September 1997. The squadron was equipped with the EA-6B Prowler aircraft, specializing in electronic attack, jamming enemy radar, and supporting joint and coalition forces. VAQ-128 frequently deployed to support operations such as Southern Watch, Northern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom, operating from both land bases and aircraft carriers. The squadron was deactivated in September 2004 as part of a realignment of Navy electronic attack forces.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: VAQ-128, also known as the "Fighting Phoenix," was established on September 1, 1997, as an expeditionary Electronic Attack Squadron in the United States Navy.
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Role: The squadron specialized in electronic warfare, flying the EA-6B Prowler aircraft to jam enemy radar and communications and provide electronic attack support.
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Unique Composition: VAQ-128 was a joint Navy and Air Force unit, created to fill the gap when U.S. Air Force EF-111A Ravens were retired, making it the only Navy squadron to be regularly assigned to work with Air Force wings.
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Nickname and Mascot: The unit’s nickname was "Fighting Phoenix," and their insignia featured a fiery phoenix rising, symbolizing their birth from the legacy of previous squadrons.
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Global Deployments: VAQ-128 deployed globally, supporting U.S. and allied operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom.
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Notable Missions: The squadron played a critical role in enforcing no-fly zones over Iraq during Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch after the Gulf War.
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Integration with Air Force: VAQ-128 was based at Whidbey Island, Washington, but regularly operated from Air Force bases worldwide, integrating seamlessly with Air Force expeditionary forces.
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Aircraft: The EA-6B Prowler was their primary aircraft, equipped with advanced jamming pods and electronic surveillance equipment, making VAQ-128 a key player in suppressing enemy air defenses.
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Deactivation: VAQ-128 was deactivated on September 26, 2004, as part of a drawdown and modernization of U.S. electronic warfare forces, with the EA-6B fleet gradually being replaced by the EA-18G Growler.
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Legacy: Although short-lived, VAQ-128’s joint-service cooperation and operational impact left a lasting legacy in U.S. military electronic warfare history.
