Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 (VMAQ-1) traces its lineage back to the early days of Marine Electronic Attack. Marine Composite Squadron One (VMC-1) was activated on 15 September 1952 at Pohang (K-3), Korea, in support of Marine Air Control Group 2, 1st Marine Corps Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) conducting airborne early warning and electronic countermeasures in support of combat operations and continued support in defense of the Demilitarized Zone through March 1955. Following the Korean War, VMC-1 was redeployed to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and re-designated as VMCJ-1 after merging with Marine Photographic Squadron One (VMJ-1).
Throughout the 1960’s and early 1970’s VMCJ-1 saw extensive service during the Vietnam Conflict, receiving numerous awards and accolades for its service. Following the Vietnam Conflict, the composite community was again reorganized and split into Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Two (VMAQ-2) and Marine Photo-Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VMFP-3). Personnel and aircraft from each of the VMCJ’s were divided and re-designated as detachments Alpha through Charlie within the larger VMAQ-2/VMFP-3 squadrons. VMAQ-2, Detachment A, flying the EA-6A, rotated with its sister detachments in support of the USS Midway Carrier Air Wing conducting operations from the Gulf of Tonkin to Korea. Detachment A was re-designated as Detachment X-ray with the advent of the United States Marine Corps transition from the EA-6A to the more advanced and capable EA-6B aircraft. Detachment X-ray continued its history of service, repeatedly deploying as part of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) in support of 1st MAW to Iwakuni, Japan. During Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM, detachment X-ray was called upon to extend its normal six-month rotation to thirteen months in order to maintain a watch over the Western Pacific.
Following Operation DESERT STORM, the criticality and shortage of electronic attack assets was finally recognized. The decision was made to reorganize back to the original three electronic warfare squadrons from VMAQ- 2 detachments X-ray, Yankee, and Zulu. In addition, a fourth squadron was gained by activating the reserve Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Four (VMAQ-4). While deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, VMAQ-2 detachment X- ray was re-commissioned as Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 on 1 July 1992 with the mission to conduct electronic warfare in support of Marine Forces and Joint/Combined operations.
Since its activation in 1992, VMAQ-1 has maintained the highest levels of combat efficiency. The squadron has provided tactical electronic warfare support for Marines, our sister services, and allies on two six- month deployments to the Western Pacific, numerous contingency and training exercises around the globe, and combat operations over Iraq.
September 1995, VMAQ-1 deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy for six months supporting Operations DENY FLIGHT and DECISIVE ENDEAVOR over Bosnia-Herzegovina until March of 1996.
July 1997, VMAQ-1 was called by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to establish the first six-month EA-6B deployment to Incirlik Airbase, Turkey, in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH (ONW) flying over 1,000 hours and 200 combat sorties.
December 1998, VMAQ-1 again deployed to Incirlik Airbase, Turkey, in support of ONW for seven months flying over 1,100 hours and 236 combat sorties. While deployed, VMAQ-1 was called upon to re-deploy to Aviano Airbase to reinforce VMAQ-2 in support of Operation ALLIED FORCE.
September 2000, VMAQ-1 deployed to Prince Sultan Airbase, Saudi Arabia, in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW) as part of the overall Joint EA-6B deployment schedule.
August 2001, VMAQ-1 deployed to Incirlik Airbase, Turkey, in support of ONW. The squadron logged over 530 hours and 160 combat sorties. During this time VMAQ-1 supported several strikes on Iraqi air defense sites.
May 2002, VMAQ-1 deployed to Prince Sultan Airbase, Saudi Arabia, in support of OSW flying 730 hours and 188 combat sorties in three months. February 2003, VMAQ-1 deployed to Prince Sultan Airbase, Saudi Arabia, in support of OSW and shortly after arrival, to support the war with Iraq: Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In seven weeks the squadron flew 1129 combat hours and 197 combat sorties.
April 2004, VMAQ-1 deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Unit Deployment Program. During the seven month deployment, VMAQ-1 deployed detachments to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, flying a total of 903 flight hours and 466 sorties.
July 2005, VMAQ-1 deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 04-06. Throughout this deployment VMAQ-1 flew 3,448.6 flight hours and 896 combat sorties in support of US and coalition ground forces.
January 2007, VMAQ-1 deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08. Throughout this deployment VMAQ-1 flew 4161.0 flight hours and 763 combat sorties, providing airborne tactical electronic attack in support of US and coalition ground forces.
July 2008, VMAQ-1 deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 08-02. Throughout this deployment VMAQ-1 flew 2583.2 flight hours and 603 combat sorties, providing airborne tactical electronic attack in support of US and coalition ground forces.
November 2009, VMAQ-1 deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Throughout this deployment, VMAQ-1 flew 2273.1 flight hours and 588, providing airborne tactical electronic attack in support of US and coalition ground forces.
April 2011, VMAQ-1 received the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award (Fourth consecutive award) for operational excellence and exemplary commitment to aviation safety.
September 2011, VMAQ-1 deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in support of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.
November 2011, VMAQ-1 deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Through its long and varied history, VMAQ-1 has flown numerous airframe types and configurations. However, whether flying the AD5QG Skyraider or the EA-6B ICAP III, the character and traditions of VMAQ-1 remain true to the standards set by its predecessors.
As VMC-1/VMCJ-1, the squadron received the:
Navy Unit Commendation with three bronzed stars:
Vietnam, 17 Apr 1965 – 01 Nov 1965
Vietnam, 18 Aug 1965 - 23 Aug 1965
Vietnam, 01 Nov 1965 – 20 Sep 1966
Vietnam, 01 Oct 1967 – 10 May 1968
Vietnam, 02 Nov 1968 – 01 Mar 1969
Korean Service Streamer with two bronze stars
Korean Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Service Streamer with two silver and three bronze stars
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Steamer
Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation for Civil Actions
As VMCJ-1/VMAQ-1 combined, the squadron has received the:
National Defense Service Streamer with three bronze stars
As VMAQ-1, the squadron received the:
Presidential Unit Citation
21 Mar 2003 – 24 Apr 2003
Meritorious Unit Commendation
15 Sep 1995 – 15 Mar 1996
01 Nov 2008 - 07 May 2010
Marine Corps Aviation Association, Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare
Squadron of the Year for 1995, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, and
2010
Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award for 2002, 2005, 2007,
2008, 2009, and 2010
Secretary of Defense Phoenix Award for 2011
Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award for 2011
The VMAQ-1 logo is the Banshee, an Irish mythological figure
foretelling death. Its motto is “Tairngreacht Bas,” Gaelic for “Death
Foretold.”