The Scorpions of VAQ-132 recently received the Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic electronic attack squadron Battle Efficiency Ribbon. This is the sixth battle efficiency unit award the Scorpions have been awarded since their first in 1988.

The Battle “E” is given each year to units considered the best in overall battle readiness through evaluation during combat and training operations. It recognizes sustained superior performance in an operational environment.

Eligibility for this award demands day-to-day demonstrated excellence, in addition to superior achievement during certifications and qualifications conducted throughout the competitive period.

Though the competition is based on a year-long evaluation, certain instances stand out that marked this commands’ excellence.

At the start of 2007, the Scorpions anticipated a late summer deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. In preparation, the squadron detached to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., for Operation Red Flag where they took part in several large force air exercises to hone their mission readiness.

Soon after the squadron returned from Nellis, word was received that they would deploy much earlier and instead to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. Despite the sudden and unexpected turn of events, on March 6, the Scorpions left Naval Air Station Whidbey Island with a battle-ready squadron to support the summer surge of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Logging approximately 4,000 mishap-free combat flight hours with 784 combat sorties, the squadron helped in the capture of over 600 insurgents while flying the most hours of any single naval squadron on deployment.

The tempo did not cease once back at Whidbey. Having left their aircraft for VAQ-142 in Iraq, the squadron was immediately back to work, accepting five new aircraft, installing new digital flight control modifications and ensuring peak readiness for a return to the carrier in four months time. Maintaining status quo, the Scorpions continued their performance and took care of business once again.

Commanding Officer Cmdr Jeff Graf’s remarks express the sentiment of all Scorpions. “It is an honor to receive such an award and a privilege to be the commanding officer of such a fine group of men and women.

This award is significant in that it communicates not just to each squadron member but also to their families that all their hard work and commitment to excellence is both recognized and appreciated. Able to wear the Battle “E"ribbon for their remaining time in service, each Sailor will be always be able to remember what they were part of and helped to accomplish.”

The Scorpions are currently sailing with Carrier Air Wing 17 on board USS George Washington (CVN 73). They will return to Whidbey mid-June after a Partnership of the Americas cruise around South America.

While stopped in Hawaii, the Scorpions will once again deliver to another sister squadron, VAQ-136, five well-groomed aircraft in exchange for three replacement Prowlers.

The workmanship that stands behind the Scorpion name will again work its magic. These three EA-6Bs will be flying until the squadron begins its transition to the EA-18G Growler early next year.