VAQ-142 returned to carrier aviation in May 2011 when they joined Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW 11) attached to USS "Nimitz". After transition to the Improved Capability (ICAP) III EA-6B airframe, VAQ-142 and CVW-11 began work-ups with Carrier Qualification on board USS "Nimitz" in April 2012. In August 2012, the squadron completed the first squadron carrier detachment in over 21 years as part of the 2012 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). In April 2013, VAQ-142 deployed with the USS "Nimitz" and CVW-11 as part of Carrier Strike Group Eleven (CSG 11) for a planned six-month deployment to the Fifth Fleet AOR. Once on station, the squadron flew 93 combat sorties totaling 637 flight hours with a 100% combat sortie completion rate in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The "Nimitz" Strike Group was unexpectedly redirected to the Red Sea in response to the Syrian chemical weapons crisis. After several extensions in the Red Sea, the squadron ultimately completed a nine-month deployment that included operations in the U.S. Third, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Fleet AORs. Following this deployment, VAQ-142 received the 2013 Battle “E” and Safety “S” awards, and was awarded the 2013 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy.