"NIHIL MINOR QUAM OPTIME" - NOTHING LESS THAN THE BEST.
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	The Yellow Jackets of VAQ-138 are based in the Pacific Northwest at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA. Their aircraft, the EA-18G Growler, is the Navy's premier electronic attack asset specializing in the jamming of radars and communication systems and the suppression of radars using the AGM-88 High-speed Anti-radiation missile (HARM). In this ever-increasing technological era, their tactics and capabilities provide critical support to the carrier air wing against surfaced-based enemy air defenses.          VAQ-138 was established as an operational squadron in February 1976 and made their first deployment aboard USS SARATOGA (CV 60) to the Mediterranean Sea. During that time, the squadron distinguished itself as a leader in aviation safety, earning the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award. The squadron completed three more deployments to the Mediterranean Sea aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Following an overseas deployment in 1982 on board USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), the squadron joined USS RANGER (CV 61) for a deployment to the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and Indian Ocean in 1983. Since 1984, the Yellow Jackets have made eight deployments aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), participating in Central America operations in 1985, the Libyan counter-terrorist operation in 1986, and Operations DESERT STORM and PROVIDE COMFORT in 1991. They participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in 1993 and 1996 embarked in USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), and also completed an around-the-world deployment in 1997-1998. In July of 1999, the Yellow Jackets joined USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in preparation for the millennium deployment to the Arabian Gulf. In 2002, the Yellow Jackets joined the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) for a WESTPAC cruise in 2003 and the around-the-world deployment in 2005 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. VAQ-138 again embarked with USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in 2007 for a combined WESTPAC / Persian Gulf deployment in support of U.S. ground forces in Afghanistan. Following a period of operational sustainment and workups in 2008, the squadron met their fellow Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW 9) brethren aboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) for a WESTPAC deployment. Their 2009 WESTPAC was the Yellow Jackets' last one flying the EA-6B Prowler as they will be transitioning to the Navy's newest electronic attack platform, the EA-18G Growler in early 2010.          VAQ-138 has amassed an impressive 28 years and over 46,000 Class 'A' Mishap-free flight hours. The Yellow Jackets are based in the Pacific Northwest at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA, where they continue to follow the squadron creed...