VAQ-142 returned to carrier aviation in May 2011 when they joined Carrier Air Wing Eleven ( CVW 11 ) attached to USS '' Nimitz '' . After transition to the Improved Capability ( ICAP ) III EA-6B airframe , VAQ-142 and CVW-11 began work-ups with Carrier Qualification on board USS '' Nimitz '' in April 2012 . In August 2012 , the squadron completed the first squadron carrier detachment in over 21 years as part of the 2012 Rim of the Pacific Exercise ( RIMPAC ) . In April 2013 , VAQ-142 deployed with the USS '' Nimitz '' and CVW-11 as part of Carrier Strike Group Eleven ( CSG 11 ) for a planned six-month deployment to the Fifth Fleet AOR . Once on station , the squadron flew 93 combat sorties totaling 637 flight hours with a 100 % combat sortie completion rate in support of Operation Enduring Freedom . The '' Nimitz '' Strike Group was unexpectedly redirected to the Red Sea in response to the Syrian chemical weapons crisis . After several extensions in the Red Sea , the squadron ultimately completed a nine-month deployment that included operations in the U.S. Third , Fifth , Sixth , and Seventh Fleet AORs . Following this deployment , VAQ-142 received the 2013 Battle “ E ” and Safety “ S ” awards , and was awarded the 2013 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy
Syrian chemical weapons crisis
Ghouta chemical attack
VAQ-142