The “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 have returned to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) for more pre-deployment workups. The squadron recently returned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for a brief stay after spending three weeks on board Truman.

The Zappers are teaming up with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 and the ships of Carrier Strike Group 10 while continuing their required workup cycle in preparation of an upcoming deployment.

During the squadron’s previous three week stay the Zappers the required Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA). The squadron completed 74 of 75 scheduled sorties during the short at-sea period, flying all VAQ-130 EA-6B Prowlers.

“To see the Zappers team come together and make this TSTA a success was a true testament of the professionalism exemplified by the entire squadron,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dwight Clemons, VAQ-130 maintenance officer.

A highlight of TSTA for the Zappers was the “Sink-Ex” of the Ex-USNS Spica. Lt. Matthew Guest flawlessly planned the 5 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) that were fired at Spica.  Four of the missiles were shot from F/A-18 aircraft, and one was fired from Zapper aircraft 500, with Lt. Dustin Schraud pulling the trigger. All shots fired perfectly.

“This was the most satisfying event of my Navy career, so far. I can’t wait to do it again,” Guest said.

VAQ-130 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Scott Moran added that, “overall this has been a great TSTA for the Zappers. Everyone came together to accomplish our mission professionally, and I’ve never been more proud to be a commanding officer.”