The Cougars of VAQ-139 became operational on July 1, 1983, at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, flying the ICAP EA-6B Prowler. The squadron made its first deployment in 1985 to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, beginning a long record of carrier-based electronic attack operations. The Cougars quickly established a reputation for operational excellence, earning numerous Battle Efficiency, safety, and electronic warfare awards during their early years.
Over the following decades, VAQ-139 deployed around the world and supported major operations including Desert Shield, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. In 2005, the Cougars became the first squadron to receive the ICAP III Prowler, and in 2006 became the first to fly the advanced version in combat. The squadron's experience with ICAP III also helped pave the way for the capabilities incorporated into the EA-18G Growler.
Following its 2011 deployment, VAQ-139 transitioned from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler. The Cougars made their first operational Growler deployment in 2014, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and providing airborne electronic attack support during combat operations in Iraq and Syria. Today, VAQ-139 continues to fly the EA-18G Growler from NAS Whidbey Island, carrying forward more than four decades of electronic attack history and the distinctive Cougars identity.
