The Zappers trace their lineage to Carrier Early Warning Squadron 13 (VAW-13), established on September 1, 1959. The squadron adopted the Zappers name and distinctive Zapper Dragon patch while flying the AD-5Q and was redesignated VAQ-130 on October 1, 1968. During its early electronic warfare years, the squadron flew the EKA-3B Skywarrior, providing electronic countermeasures and aerial refueling support to Navy forces.
In 1975, VAQ-130 moved to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, and transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler. Over the following decades, the Zappers flew the Prowler in operations around the world, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. During Desert Storm, VAQ-130 became the first Prowler squadron to fire a HARM missile in combat.
The Zappers began transitioning to the EA-18G Growler in 2011 and completed the transition in 2012. Their first Growler deployment followed in 2013. Today, VAQ-130 continues to fly the EA-18G Growler from NAS Whidbey Island, carrying forward a history that makes the Zappers the Navy's oldest electronic warfare squadron and one of the most enduring names in the electronic attack community.
