The Zappers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 completed their last EA-6B flight, Feb. 4, completing nearly 36 years of operations with the venerable EA-6B Prowler. Aircraft 500 and 502 were piloted by the squadron Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Robert Coughlin, and Lt. Dustin Schraud who both completed their last Zapper EA-6B flight with a section fly-by.

“It was a great opportunity to be a part of the final EA-6B flight with the squadron,” said Schraud. “Both jets flew great just like they always have.”

Aircraft 500 and 502 left from NAS Whidbey Island at 11 a.m. and flew as a formation to the Boardman Military Operating Area for tactical formation training and then returned for a section fly-by over home field to commemorate the last flight.

The final EA-6B flight also provided a unique opportunity for Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Jacob Orman of Bellevue, Neb., and Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Cody Stack of Battle Creek, Mich., who were granted incentive flights in recognition of being Zapper Junior Sailor of the Quarter for Fourth Quarter 2010 and Zapper Blue Jacket of the Year for 2010, respectively. The opportunity to fly in the EA-6B was a tremendous honor, made more significant by the flight being the final time the Zappers launched and recovered the trusted EA-6B. 

“That was the coolest thing I have ever done in the Navy,” said Orman, who was obviously excited. 

Aircraft 500 is destined to continue contributing to the electronic attack community as it transfers to the VAQ-133 Wizards.  But sadly, Aircraft 502 has only one flight remaining, as it is prepared to depart for NADEP Jacksonville, Fla., later this month after more than 10,150 flight hours. Both aircraft have performed superbly as those who maintain and fly them have come to expect.

“The final Prowler flight for the Zappers marked the end of another chapter in the command’s distinguished history,” said Coughlin. “The squadron is very proud of their accomplishments and has worked extremely hard to ensure they met the mission while employing some of the oldest aircraft in the fleet.

“As can be expected, we are sad to transfer our aircraft, but at the same time the Zappers are very excited for what lies ahead with the transition to the Growler and the re-integration with CVW-3,” said Coughlin, reflecting on the squadron’s history. “The Zappers are an amazing team and I am confident they will begin this next chapter in the command’s history with the same pride and professionalism that they have demonstrated in the past.”