VAQ-138 was established as an operational squadron in February 1976 and made its first deployment aboard to the Mediterranean Sea. The squadron completed three more deployments to the Mediterranean Sea aboard and during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Following the Mediterranean/Indian Ocean cruise in 1982 aboard "Kennedy", the squadron joined for a deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean in 1983. After 1984, the squadron made eight deployments aboard , participating in Central American operations in 1985, the Libya airstrikes in 1986, Operations Desert Storm and Provide Comfort in 1991, and Operation Southern Watch in 1993, 1996, and a 1997–1998 around-the-world deployment.