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For about 45 years, the US Navy’s Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Two Nine (VAQ-129) has been the “schoolhouse” training aircrews and maintainers for the Navy and Marine Corps fleet of EA-6B Prowler aircraft.

But the Navy is transitioning to the EF-18G Growler. The Marines have decided to not buy the Growler, and instead continue to use the Prowler until about 2019, when they anticipate the Electronic Attack mission will be performed by F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

VAQ-129 has ceased production of new Prowler aircrew, but the Marines still need a pipeline for crews. Indeed, the Navy still needs some as well, as transition to the Growler will take a few more years. Rather than having –129 continue the mission, the Marines have opted to convert one of their four Prowler squadrons from an operation squadron to a training squadron.

VMAQT-1 was established with the personnel and equipment from the former VMAQ-1.

Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 became Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 during a redesignation ceremony aboard Cherry Point Friday.

As the Navy transitions from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler, the Marine Corps is assuming the responsibilities of training its Prowler aircrews. Prior to this, EA-6B aviators received their initial and follow-on training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.

“The conversion of the squadron will allow more integration of training with the fleet,” said Capt. Calvin R. Smallwood, the assistant operations officer of VMAQT-1. “Because training was conducted way out at Whidbey Island, there was a bit of disconnect between initial training, advanced tactical training and the fleet.”

That was four months ago. Now, the squadron has begun its first aircrew class.

Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 began training its first class of seven replacement pilots Oct. 7. The squadron was redesignated from VMAQ-1 to VMAQT-1 during a June 14 ceremony here.
“This class represents a lot of hard work,” said Lt. Col. Josh Gordon, the commanding officer of the training squadron. “The students being here represent our hard work. Having them onboard makes the transition of becoming a fleet replacement squadron seem real.”

The Marines have been heavily involved in airborne electronic warfare almost from the beginning of the concept. Indeed, some of the first dedicated electronic warfare aircraft, from the AD-4Q, the EF-10A, and the EA-6A, were Marine Corps initiatives.