Description
VAQ-137 Rooks EA-18 Eyes Patch
Aviators! Enjoy a beautifully embroidered tan VAQ-137 Rooks EA-18 Eyes Patch. You’ll love the quality!
- 4″ inches
- Sew on
- US Naval Aviator Owned Business
Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 137 (VAQ-137) also known as the “Rooks”, is a United States Navy electromagnetic attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Washington, flying the Boeing EA-18G Growler. The squadron is attached to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11), which is currently assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Their radio callsign is “Rook” and their tailcode is “NH” of CVW-11.[4]
EA-18G operations
In March 2015, the Rooks deployed for the first time flying the EA-18G Growler, as part of CVW-1 on board USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Throughout the nine-month deployment, the Rooks conducted combat operations in Iraq and Syria supporting Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR), executing 291 combat sorties and 1,777 hours.
After returning home from deployment, the Rooks entered an array of post deployment training and maintenance phases in 2016. The squadron participated in a Red Flag Alaska detachment during April and May, working with US Air Force and Indian Air Force assets.
Following a successful workup cycle, the Rooks deployed aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in April 2018. After leaving Norfolk, Virginia, the squadron participated in Operation LIGHTNING HANDSHAKE off the coast of Morocco in order to prepare for combat operations. The carrier then traveled toward the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Heavy tasking led to the Rooks flying over 370 combat hours in just 22 fly days, with an impressive 100% combat sortie completion rate, earning the squadron the CVW-1 Golden Wrench for the line period.
After an extended port call in Norfolk, the Rooks and CVW-1 returned to sea in the second half of 2018. This time the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) traveled north to be the first carrier in over 30 years to conduct flight operations north of the Arctic Circle when they participated in Operation TRIDENT JUNCTURE. The flight deck crews persevered in frigid conditions and earned the Order of the Blue Nose as they launched jets to conduct multi-national flight operations. The Rooks returned to NAS Whidbey Island in December 2018.
The Rooks subsequently deployed again aboard USS Truman in November 2019 in support of Iranian deterrence operations and Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL over Afghanistan. The squadron remained at sea until June 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Rooks earned the 2020 Battle E, Safety S, and the Retention Excellence award for their efforts.
