page_title: VMAQ-3
section_title: Global War on Terror
hierarchical_section_title: VMAQ-3 / History / Global War on Terror
caption_attribution_description: A U.S. Marine Corps Grumman EA-6B Prowler assigned to Marine tactical electronic warfare squadron VMAQ-3 Moon Dogs, prepares for take off at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, during Exercise "Cope Tiger 2003" on 26 February 2003.
context_page_description: Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 was one of four Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons in the United States Marine Corps. The squadron consisted EA-6B Prowler jets and was tasked with conducting airborne electronic warfare. The squadron was based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina and fell under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 14 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was decommissioned on May 11, 2018 as the Marine Corps sunsets the EA-6B Prowler.
context_section_description: From October 2001 to February 2002, VMAQ-3 deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey to fly combat missions in the enforcement of United Nations resolutions and sanctions imposed upon Iraq by flying in support of Operation Northern Watch.
  Early in 2003 the squadron was deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program. During this time the squadron participated in exercises in Thailand and Korea.
  From January to August 2005 the squadron was deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). VMAQ-3 was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its performance during this time.
  From July 2006 to January 2007, the squadron supported Operation Iraqi Freedom where they sustained an operational tempo 700% greater than their average garrison optempo. VMAQ-3 flew over 3,900 hours in support of ground combat forces.
  On February 5, 2010 aircraft from VMAQ-3 returned home to MCAS Cherry Point from Al Asad Airbase in western Iraq after a six-month deployment.  They were the last Marine Corps aviation unit to leave Iraq after the Marine Corps turned over control of Al Anbar Governorate to the United States Army.
  On August 7, 2015 the squadron deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan in support of the Global War on Terror. They returned on February 11, 2016 to MCAS Cherry Point.
  The squadron was decommissioned on May 11, 2018 at MCAS Cherry Point after 26 years of service.
caption: A VMAQ-3 EA-6B at Korat, in 2003.
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