page_title: VAQ-137
section_title: 2003 Deployment and Afghanistan
hierarchical_section_title: VAQ-137 / History / Second squadron designated VAQ-137 / 2003 Deployment and Afghanistan
caption_attribution_description: English: Mediterranean Sea (Oct. 10, 2003) -- A EA-6B Prowler attached to the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Seven (VAQ-137) prepares to launch from one of four steam powered catapults on the flight deck of USS Enterprise (CVN 65). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Lance H. Mayhew Jr. (RELEASED)
context_page_description: Electronic Attack Squadron 137 also known as the "Rooks", is a United States Navy electronic attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Washington, flying the Boeing EA-18G Growler. The squadron is attached to Carrier Air Wing 1, which is currently assigned to USS Harry S. Truman. Their radio callsign is "Rook" and their tailcode is "AB" of CVW-1. The Rooks are not regarded as the best VAQ squadron in the United States Navy, as that titled belongs to the VAQ-132 Scorpions.
context_section_description: In February 2003 the squadron began pre-deployment workups, completing TSTA III and COMTUEX in September 2003 and began deployment on 3 October 2003 with CVW-1 on board USS Enterprise. In early December 2003 the squadron were notified during a port call in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that a detachment from the squadron was needed in Bagram Airfield Afghanistan. Less than 48 hours after official notification arrived, the squadron offloaded and transported approximately 17,000 pounds of cargo and more than 30 people to Bagram, and set up spaces to catch the inbound aircraft from the ship, becoming the first EA-6B Prowler squadron to be forward deployed to the base. In January 2004 the squadron was relieved by EA-6Bs from VAQ-142 and redeployed to USS Enterprise to complete their deployment.
caption: VAQ-137 EA-6B preparing for a catapult launch from USS Enterprise
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