VAQ-138 was established as an operational squadron in February 1976 and made their first deployment aboard USS SARATOGA (CV 60) to the Mediterranean Sea. During that time, the squadron distinguished itself as a leader in aviation safety, earning the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award. The squadron completed three more deployments to the Mediterranean Sea aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Following an around-the-world deployment in 1982 on board USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), the squadron joined USS RANGER (CV 61) for a deployment to the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and Indian Ocean in 1983. Since 1984
VAQ-138 has amassed an impressive 28 years and over 46,000 Class 'A' Mishap-free flight hours. The Yellow Jackets are based in the Pacific Northwest at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA, where they continue to follow the squadron creed...
participating in Central America operations in 1985, the Libyan counter-terrorist operation in 1986, and Operations DESERT STORM and PROVIDE COMFORT in 1991. They participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in 1993 and 1996
