Collection: VAQ-144 Main Battery

VAQ-144 was established on October 1, 2021, at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, becoming the Navy's 15th operational electronic attack squadron. Created to restore electronic attack capacity to the carrier force, the squadron operates the EA-18G Growler and carries the historic Main Battery name, connecting one of the Navy's newest squadrons with an earlier chapter of Naval Aviation history.

The Main Battery name and identity pay tribute to VA-196, an A-6 Intruder attack squadron with a long history of operations that included Vietnam and Desert Storm. VAQ-144 also revived elements of VA-196's distinctive 1967 patch, including the orange background, black ace of spades, and horned figure. The design was updated to reflect the modern electronic attack mission while preserving a direct visual connection to the original Main Battery.

Today, VAQ-144 flies the EA-18G Growler, carrying the Main Battery name into a new era of airborne electronic attack. Its mission includes electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses in support of U.S. and coalition forces, combining a newly established squadron with an identity rooted in the traditions of Naval Aviation.