(From Squadron Supplier): Electronic Attack Squadron 144 (VAQ-144), “Main Battery”, is a US Navy aircraft squadron based at NAS Whidbey Island, WA flying the EA-18G Growler. VAQ-144 can trace its origins to the former Grumman A-6 Intruder squadron (VA-196) formerly also based at NAS Whidbey Island that was disestablished in 1997 as the last operational A-6 squadron on the west coast (next-to-last overall). In September 2019 the Navy transitioned a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) VAQ squadron out of the carrier environment to meet demands as an expeditionary unit. The gap in CVW Electronic Attack coverage showed a need for a 15th operational VAQ squadron. VAQ-144 was established on 1 Oct 2021 to meet this demand with a requirement to meet scheduled milestones and achieve full operational capability in fiscal year 2023. In the spring of 2023, the squadron received its first independent aircraft flown with VAQ-144 markings. This is their squadron patch (note how much it looks like their heritage Intruder patch) and does not come with velcro attached.
