The Black Ravens of VAQ-135 were established on May 15, 1969, at NAS Alameda, California, to provide electronic warfare support to carrier air wings. The squadron initially flew the EKA-3B Skywarrior before relocating to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, in 1973 and transitioning to the EA-6B Prowler.
The Black Ravens made their first EA-6B deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean in 1976. Following that deployment, VAQ-135 became the first fleet squadron to operate the Improved Capability (ICAP) version of the Prowler. Over the following decades, the squadron deployed around the world and supported operations including Praying Mantis, Southern Watch, Desert Fox, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
In June 2011, VAQ-135 completed its transition to the EA-18G Growler and moved into the expeditionary electronic attack role. The Black Ravens made their first Growler deployment in 2012 and today continue to operate the EA-18G from NAS Whidbey Island, deploying worldwide in support of U.S. and allied forces while carrying forward more than five decades of electronic warfare history.
