VAQ-131 Lancers (2021) EA-18G Growler Model

Fly with the VAQ-131 Lancers (2021) in this hand-crafted EA-18G Growler Model. Each model is carved from wood and hand painted to provide a unique piece that will always be treasured.

Length- 18 inches
Made from Mahogany
US Veteran-Owned Business

170720-N-FE442-189 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 20, 2017) An EA-18G Growler attached to the "Lancers" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship and its carrier strike group are conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matt Matlage/Released)

Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE ONE (VAQ-131) has been through several transitions since its inception in 1946 when the squadron was commissioned as reserve Patrol Squadron NINE THREE ONE (VP-931). From 1946 through 1955, VP-931 flew the P-2V Neptune. In 1956, the squadron transitioned to the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior and was re-designated Heavy Attack Squadron FOUR (VAH-4). On November 1, 1968, the squadron received the EKA-3 version of the Skywarrior and was again re-designated, this time as Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron ONE THREE ONE.

In May 1971, the LANCERS of VAQ-131 became the second operational squadron to transition to the Standard version of the Grumman EA-6B Prowler. Five years later, in early 1976, VAQ-131 transitioned to the Expanded Capability (EXCAP) version of the EA-6B and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea with Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3) on the USS SARATOGA (CV 60). In the summer of 1978, the Lancers transitioned to the Improved Capability (ICAP) EA-6B.

VAQ-131 joined CVW-6 in November 1980 completing four deployments in five years to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. While attached to CVW-6, the LANCERS supported the following operations: American hostage crisis (1981), Multi-National Peacekeeping Forces in Lebanon (1982), Operation "Urgent Fury" in Grenada (1983) and the 4 December 1983 strike against Syrian positions in Lebanon.

Upon returning from their final deployment with CVW-6 and USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62), the LANCERS earned first place in the COMMATVAQWINGPAC Battle Readiness Competition (BRC) and transitioned to the ICAP II version of the Prowler. VAQ-131 became the first squadron to fly the original four major versions (Standard, EXCAP, ICAP and ICAP II) of the EA-6B.

On 15 January 1991, as the United Nations' deadline for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait expired, the USS RANGER (CV 61) transited the Straits of Hormuz. In the early morning hours of 17 January 1991, CVW-2 launched its first combat sorties against Iraqi strongholds in Iraq and Kuwait. The LANCERS flew 14 sorties and 27.9 hours during the first 24 hours of combat. By the time the cease fire was announced on 28 February 1991, the LANCERS had fired 24 HARM, flown 339 combat hours and completed 228 combat sorties in direct support of U.S. and allied coalition forces.

In early December 1992, USS RANGER (CV 61) was ordered to the waters off of Somalia in East Africa to aid in the United Nations relief efforts as part of Operation RESTORE HOPE. The LANCERS finished their WestPac deployment by enjoying the "Last Ride" of USS RANGER (CV 61) on 31 January 1993 as it pulled pierside in San Diego. That same year was highlighted by the squadron being awarded Prowler Squadron of the Year.

From the late 90’s through 2012, the Lancer’s participated in events such as Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM during several WESTPAC deployments.

In 2014, VAQ-131 was re-assigned to CVW-8 and started transitioning to the EA-18G Growler (the electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet), the replacement for the aging Prowler. The Lancers completed the transition and were deemed Safe for Flight in April of 2015.

VAQ-131 Lancers EA-6b Model

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