VAQ-132 surpassed a monumental aviation safety milestone on July 5, having completed 35 years of Class ‘A’ mishap-free flying.

During this time, the squadron amassed an impressive 56,900 flight hours, leading the way for the entire Prowler community.

Commodore Richard Field remarked, “Each Scorpion can take great pride in this superlative accomplishment.  Proactive leadership and incorporation of risk management principles at all levels have made safety programs like yours the envy of all of Naval Aviation.

“Your safety record has set the standard for the rest of the VAQ community to follow.”

VAQ-132’s last Class ‘A’ mishap occurred on July 5, 1970, when the squadron flew the EKA-3B Sky Warrior, also known as the “Whale.” While operating in the Gulf of Tonkin onboard USS America (CVA-66), aircraft 614 settled into the water when its drag chute inadvertently deployed following a night bolter. All three crewmembers escaped the jet unharmed before it sank.

Shortly following the mishap, in 1971, VAQ-132 returned to the Gulf as the first Prowler squadron in Vietnam, thus beginning a new chapter in Scorpion history.

Speaking of history, VAQ-132 was recently treated with a visit from a community veteran, retired Navy Capt. Richard E. Case. He served as Commanding Officer of VAH-4 from 1964 to 1966, flying the KA-3B in aerial refueling and heavy attack roles.

VAH-4 and VAH-2 later became VAQ-131 and VAQ-132 when the electronic attack mission was added.

Commissioned in 1947, Case began his career flying transport and tanker aircraft. By the time he made Lieutenant Junior Grade, he had logged over 2,000 flight hours.

Before arriving at Whidbey Island in 1962, Case completed tours all over the country, including piloting a tanker supporting John Glenn’s record-setting cross-country flight in an F-8 Crusader.

As Skipper of VAH-4, or “Heavy 4,” Case and his family made some of their fondest memories of any time in his 30-year naval career.

“The time I was stationed at NAS Whidbey was a very good period in the lives of my family,” Case said.

Cmdr. Randolph Pierson, Scorp Commanding Officer, along with his daughter Brooke were honored to escort Case, his son and daughter on their stroll down memory lane.