Naval Air Facility Atsugi
In September 2002, the squadron began work-ups for an eight-month deployment to the Western Pacific from January though September 2003. During this time, the squadron transitioned to the Block 89A configuration of the EA-6B, and conducted the first operational deployment of the Block 89A. During the deployment, the squadron executed detachments to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa; MCAS Iwakuni, Japan; Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan and participated in Exercise Foal Eagle in Korea.