The Lancers trace their lineage to Patrol Squadron 931 (VP-931), which was called to active duty in 1950. The squadron later became VP-57 and then Heavy Attack Squadron 4 (VAH-4), flying the P-2V Neptune and A-3 Skywarrior before being redesignated VAQ-131 on November 1, 1968. The Lancers transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler in 1971, becoming the second operational squadron to fly the aircraft.
During more than four decades with the Prowler, VAQ-131 participated in operations around the world, including Urgent Fury, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. During Desert Storm, the Lancers flew 228 combat sorties and more than 339 combat hours while supporting U.S. and coalition forces. The squadron also became the first to operate all four original major versions of the EA-6B Prowler.
VAQ-131 transitioned from the EA-6B to the EA-18G Growler, completing its transition in 2015. The Lancers conducted their first Growler combat deployment in 2017 and became an expeditionary squadron in 2019. Today, VAQ-131 flies the EA-18G Growler from NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, deploying worldwide in support of U.S. and allied forces while carrying forward decades of electronic attack history.
