page_title: VAQ-141
section_title: Afghanistan and Iraq
hierarchical_section_title: VAQ-141 / History / Afghanistan and Iraq
caption_attribution_description: English: Al Asad, Iraq (Nov. 14, 2005) - An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron One Four One (VAQ-141), taxis down the runway at the Al Asad Air Base. A detachment of the "Shadowhawks" is stationed at Al Asad flying missions in support of the Global War on Terrorism. VAQ-141 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), currently embarked aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Randall Damm (RELEASED)
context_page_description: Electronic Attack Squadron 141, also known as the "Shadowhawks", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy that is based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, located in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan. VAQ-141 falls under the cognizance of Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific and flies in support of Carrier Air Wing 5 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.
context_section_description: In April 2001, the squadron deployed as part of Carrier Air Wing 8 on board USS Enterprise. They participated in exercises in the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea and took part in enforcing the Iraqi no-fly zones as part of Operation Southern Watch. The squadron was on its way home when the September 11 attacks occurred. CVW-8’s deployment was extended and they were sent to join other U.S. Navy assets in the northern Arabian Sea. Shortly thereafter, VAQ-141 provided electronic attack in support of coalition air and ground forces during the opening stages of the invasion of Afghanistan also known as Operation Enduring Freedom.
  In September 2005, the squadron once again deployed with CVW-8 to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While still in the Mediterranean 2 EA-6Bs and a detachment of support personnel from VAQ-141 left USS Theodore Roosevelt and flew to Al Asad Airbase, Iraq to augment VMAQ-1 to fill the void left by the previous carrier leaving the AOR.  With this, VAQ-141 became the first EA-6B squadron to conduct split ship-shore operations in Iraq.
  In September 2008 VAQ-141 departed Naval Station Norfolk aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, steaming south to visit Cape Town South Africa, becoming the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to visit the port. The ship soon rounded the Cape of Good Hope and sailed north, Setting up station in the Northern Persian Gulf, flying missions in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan. In April 2009, VAQ-141 flew off the Roosevelt landing at NAS Whidbey Island for the last time as an EA-6B squadron.
  On February 12, 2010, the squadron was deemed "safe for flight" with the EA-18G Growler, becoming the second operational squadron to transition to the aircraft.
  In July 2011, the squadron deployed to the Middle East aboard USS George H.W. Bush. The squadron conducted the first ever combat operations of the EA-18G from sea, supporting both Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. During the deployment, the squadron's commanding officer, Commander Karl Pugh, was removed as CO after an "alcohol-related incident" in Bahrain.
caption: VAQ-141 EA-6B Prowler in Iraq at Al Asad Air Base in 2005
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