The “Cougars” of VAQ-139 continue to write new chapters in Naval aviation history by becoming the first EA-6B “Prowler” squadron to deploy at sea with the Improved Capability (ICAP) III system.

The Whidbey Island based squadron is currently utilizing the new technology while embarked aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the Pacific Ocean as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). 

ICAP III is a systems upgrade for the EA-6B on board weapons system. This is the eighth upgrade since the inception of the Prowler into Naval aviation in 1970.

ICAP III takes prominent aircraft systems such as navigation, global positioning system (GPS), communications, electronic receiver and jamming system, satellite data links, and links them together in one single system.

According to Cmdr. Charles “Chuck” Luttrell, commanding officer of VAQ-139, “ICAP III takes the Prowler from 1960’s technology and brings it into Windows technology. ICAP III makes the Prowler the lead player in Strike Operations.”

In previous ICAP versions, the center of the workload was concentrated on two electronic countermeasures officer (ECMO) stations.

“With ICAP III, the work load is evenly distributed between the pilot and all ECMO stations,” said Cmdr. Anthony “Ant” Calandra, the squadron’s executive officer.

“The system has also improved the speed and accuracy in which signals are received and processed creating a multi-task capable war-fighter, and improves situational awareness,” said Calandra.

VAQ-139 first transitioned to ICAP III in March 2005 when they received their first ICAP III equipped aircraft. The squadron became fully outfitted with four jets in July 2005.

The “Cougars” then took the new technology to sea by embarking Reagan as part of Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) during the ship’s Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) in July 2005. This period marked the first operational “at sea” period for the ICAP III equipped Prowler.

Following the squadron’s success on the ship VAQ-139 embarked on a training detachment to NAS Fallon, Nev. During this training cycle, the ICAP III system was tested and produced a 30 percent increase in jamming effectiveness.

When VAQ-139 embarks Reagan as part of CVW-14 on the upcoming deployment, it will be the first actual deployment of the ICAP III equipped EA-6B in a combat joint warfare environment, with electronic attack support being provided to Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force ground forces.