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              Association
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A history of VAW-13 from commissioning to stand down

'ZAPPERS'

Commissioned at NAS Agana, Guam, on September 1, 1959 and transferred to NAS Alameda, California, in July, 1961, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirteen flew a variety of aircraft during its eight years. In the spring of 1967 this unit received the first EKA3-B and KA3-Bs and soon began to deploy its Skywarriors to provide aerial refueling and electronic countermeasures while continuing to operate Douglas EA-1Fs until November, 1970. From November, 1967, until March, 1969, six VAW-13 detachments operated EKA3-Bs aboard the USS America (CVA-66), Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), Constellation (CVA-64), Enterprise (CVN-65), Hancock (CVA-19), and Ranger (CVA-61).

On October 1, 1968, the squadron was redesignated VAQ-130 and 14 of its detachments served aboard carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin until the return of Det 4 in June 1973. From May to October 1974, VAQ-130 Det 4 made the final EKA3-B peacetime deployment aboard the USS Ranger (CVA-61). Following the decommissioning of VAH-123 in February 1971, VAQ-130 also took over the responsibility for training A-3 crews. VAQ-130 stood down on June 30, 1974 and moving to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, began its transition to the EA-6B.

This was submitted by Paul Taber (ex A-3 Gaurda) from scan of VAQ-134 EA-6 squadron cap

'GARUDAS'

Established on June 17, 1969, at NAS Alameda, California, VAQ-134 flew KA3-Bs and EKA3-Bs for 25 months. During this period ot made two combat cruises aboard the USS Ranger (CVA-61). The Garudas stood down in July 1971, and moved to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, in May, 1972, to fly EA-6Bs. VAQ-134 was decommissioned in March 1995.

Go to here to find out what a 'garuda' is.

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