US Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron Participates in Exercise Max Thunder

The U.S. Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 “Scorpions” participated in Exercise Max Thunder, a bilateral aerial training exercise for U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) military aircrews and maintainers April 23 at Gwangju Air Base.

Exercise Max Thunder is conducted annually to enhance bilateral air-combat capabilities that increase operational readiness and strengthen the U.S. and ROK alliance. The inaugural addition of the EA-18G Growler from VAQ-132 represented a historic first for Max Thunder, an exercise conducted primarily with U.S. and ROK Air Force assets.

Aircrews from VAQ-132 flew 60 sorties during Max Thunder, operating with their U.S. and ROK Air Force counterparts. Exercise missions were comprised of flight formations, air warfare drills and tactical maneuvers.VAQ-132 is currently on a routine deployment in support of U.S. Seventh Fleet operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The squadron is homeported at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Wash. Exercise Max Thunder is part of a continuous exercise program to enhance interoperability between U.S. and ROK forces and is not tied to any real-world or specific threats. These exercises highlight the longstanding military partnership, commitment, and enduring friendship between the two nations, help ensure peace and security on the Korean peninsula, and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to stability in Asia.