[Editor’s Note: Both the Shadowhawks and Scorpions fly the Boeing EA-18G Growler, the Navy’s dedicated electronic attack and escort SEAD platform. An immensely-capable platform, the Growler is able to do with two crew members what it took four to do in the EA-6B. Not only that, but the Growler is able to defend itself with air-to-air missiles. Congratulations to these fantastic units on the Battle E, as we’ve had the opportunity to work with both of them. Fly Navy!]
The “Shadowhawks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 and the “Scorpions” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132, were named as some of the recipients of the Aviation Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) Award for 2015.
The aviation Battle “E” is the Navy’s top performance award presented to the squadron in each competitive category that achieves the highest standards of performance readiness and efficiency.
“Having the Shadowhawks and the Golden Falcons named as Battle E winners is an honor,” said Capt. John Enfield, commander, Carrier Air Wing 5. “Our squadrons work tirelessly to maintain the high standards we have set and to be awarded the “Battle E” is a result of their hard work paying off.”
An EA-18G Growler from the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman/Released)
The VAQ-141 and HSC-12 squadrons are both based at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan, and assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. VAQ-132 is a visiting expeditionary squadron from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Washington.
“The winning commands rose to the top of an extremely competitive field of highly capable and deserving squadrons,” said Vice Adm. Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “They exhibited quality and tenacity in their pursuit of combat readiness and battle efficiency as they successfully tackled each new challenge.”
VAQ-141 and HSC-12 are two of the squadrons hosted aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) during the carrier’s underway period.
VAQ-132 is in Japan for a six-month deployment to support U.S. 7th Fleet.
All squadrons are deployed in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
The original article can be viewed here.
(Featured photo courtesy of news.discuss.com.hk)