The Gauntlets of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 have completed their ground-training syllabus and are currently deployed in USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

They have spent the past three months preparing for the spring deployment. Highlights were Electronic Warfare Advanced Readiness Program in Guam and field carrier landing practice on the island of Iwo To, formerly known as Iwo Jima.

Andersen Air Force Base graciously hosted the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5) during a four-week advanced readiness program. VAQ-136 integrated its EWARP training syllabus within the larger construct of the Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program. Representatives from various weapons schools, Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center and our own Electronic Attack Weapons School were on hand to provide sage guidance and training.

VAQ-136 participated in a variety of unit-level training, self-escort strikes and reactive suppression of enemy air defense events. The entire SFARP program culminated in several day’s worth of air wing wide large force exercises executed under NSAWC tutelage.

A large force exercise was aborted due to a real-world Gauntlet aircraft emergency. Iron Claw 504 suffered an in-flight emergency that culminated in four aircrew ejecting. The crew of Iron Claw 500 assumed the role of “on-scene commander” and quickly took charge of the emergency.

Several airborne air wing assets and an airborne Omega Tanker were lassoed to provide support assistance while others were ordered to return to Andersen Air Force Base.

“We were lucky there were no serious injuries with those involved,” said Lt. William Blanton, who witnessed the incident from the lead aircraft.

Thanks to prompt assistance from Navy search and rescue assets, Federal Aviation Administration officials, United States Coast Guard and other support partners, all four aircrew were immediately rescued and have been returned to a flying status.

Shortly after the Gauntlets returned from Guam, they were replenished with two upgraded aircraft courtesy of VAQ-132. A feature of the upgraded aircraft is the digital flight control system. All pilots had an opportunity to fly the new DFCS jets during the Iwo To FCLP period. “DFCS jets are a nice addition to our squadron, line up corrections come a lot more naturally,” said Lt.j.g. Sergio Armas.

The Gauntlets have now concluded the deck certification and carrier qualification phases on Kitty Hawk with focus being placed on dual carrier operations with USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The highlight for the cruise this year will be the long awaited hull swap with USS George Washington (CVN 73).

From there, Kitty Hawk, the last conventional carrier in the US Navy, will steam to San Diego for its decommissioning.

“We are all looking forward and excited to being on a newer boat with newer jets,” said Lt.j.g Erik Halvorson.