As November came to a close, the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-130, aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), turned west to start the long journey home. 

They recently wrapped up five months of combat operations, successfully supporting both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. During the deployment the squadron launched over 200 combat sorties, conducting counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations with U.S. and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Zappers flew over 1,290 combat flight hours providing highly successful electronic attack; some aircrew logged over 80 flight hours per month.

“The long hours in the cockpit took a mental and physical toll on all Zapper aircrew,” stated Lt. Kevin Steinbrecher, “The experience and confidence gained from flying these important missions in support of troops on the ground was worth the long hours and discomfort we all endured.”

Thanks to the tremendous effort by all hands, the squadron provided critical support for troops on the ground and allowed 100 percent support of assigned combat tasking. Each mission utilized the Prowler’s primary weapon system to jam enemy command and control networks. 

“Many of these missions stopped enemy actions in their tracks,” said Lt. Marc Worthley. “It was always rewarding to hear ground forces say, ‘The shooting stopped when you arrived.’”

As the Harry S. Truman heads home, the Zappers continue to work hard at making sure aircraft and personnel are ready for whatever tasking may come their way. 

“The men and women assigned to this command have demonstrated incredible skill and pride in their support of operational tasking, said AVCM (AW) Jeff Amidon. “They’ve proven time and time again that they can handle any challenge that comes their way.”

According to Cmdr. Robert Coughlin, VAQ-130 commanding Officer, Zapper aircraft supported 100 percent of their mission tasking in the skies over Iraq and Afghanistan, and during the deployment.

“Every Sailor in the squadron came together to form a team of professionals unlike any I have ever seen,” said Coughlin. “I am tremendously proud of their accomplishments.  They all truly lived up to our command motto, ‘Zapper Pride!’”