The 2009 Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment marked the final EA-6B Prowler deployment for the Yellow Jackets of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138. The squadron is scheduled to transition to the EA-18G Growler in early 2010.

Their 33-year history with the Grumman tactical jamming platform has encompassed many deployments, exercises, and combat operations all over the world. Recently, as members of Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW 9) and Carrier Strike Group Three (CSG 3) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), the Yellow Jackets were integral in the employment of electronic attack support for exercises conducted during their six-month tour of the western Pacific.

Before returning home, the Yellow Jackets participated in exercise Northern Edge off the coast of Alaska. The annual joint exercise included a vast array of U.S. Navy and Air Force assets and proved that the carrier air wing could integrate with their fellow aviation brethren. 

During the deployment, the Yellow Jackets flew approximately 420 sorties, logging over 580 hours with 440 traps. Crossing the Pacific Ocean to such places like Hong Kong and Singapore, VAQ-138 provided electronic attack expertise to CSG-3 and CVW-9.

Although some may be sad to see the Prowler go, in the end VAQ-138 will be flying a more capable platform in the EA-18G Growler, which will enhance the vital electronic attack mission for the United States Armed Forces.