**Officially Licensed US Navy VAQ-136 Gauntlets Patch — Electronic Attack Squadron Embroidered Patch** VAQ-136 Gauntlets — the first Prowler squadron to fly a strike against Iraq in Desert Storm, firing 28 HARM missiles in 43 days without CVW-5 losing a single aircraft to enemy fire. When it comes to electronic warfare, the Gauntlets don't just jam — they dominate. Electronic Attack Squadron 136 (VAQ-136), the "Gauntlets," was established on 6 April 1973 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington — the fifth operational EA-6B Prowler squadron and the first formed with no heritage from a previous unit. For 32 years, VAQ-136 served as the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed electronic attack squadron, based at NAF Atsugi, Japan. On 16 January 1991, the Gauntlets were the first Prowler squadron to fly a strike against Iraq during Desert Storm, logging 466.9 combat hours and firing 28 HARM missiles while ensuring CVW-5 suffered zero aircraft losses to enemy fire. The squadron went on to fly 115 combat sorties over Iraq in 1999, 117 combat missions during Iraqi Freedom in 2003, and earned multiple Battle Efficiency "E" awards, the Radford Award for best EA-6B squadron, and Prowler Squadron of the Year. In 2013, VAQ-136 transitioned to the EA-18G Growler, now flying with CVW-2 from NAS Whidbey Island. • Dense embroidery on durable twill backing • Vibrant synthetic thread with crisp detail • Hook & loop backing for quick attachment • Sharp reproduction of official squadron insignia • Built to last — withstands field conditions Perfect For: VAQ-136 veterans and alumni, EA-6B Prowler enthusiasts, EA-18G Growler fans, electronic warfare community collectors, NAS Whidbey Island personnel, Desert Storm aviation veterans, naval aviation patch collectors
