In order to replace their aging EA-6B Prowlers the USN acquired a specialized version of the F/A- 18F Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler. The Growler is an advanced airborne electronic attack aircraft capable of tactical jamming and electronic protection. The first EA-18G Growler flight took place in August 2006 with the first USN production aircraft being delivered to VAQ129 in June 2008. After operational capability testing full production of the EA18G Growler began in late 2009. In 2010 VAQ-132, 138 and 141 were re-equipped with the Growler.
In March 2011 an uprising began in Libya against the government of Muammar al Qadhafi. To protect civilians from air strikes and heavy military retaliations the UN issued UNSCRs 1970 and UNSCR 1973 authorizing International Forces to protect the civilian population and enforce an arms embargo while maintaining a No-Fly Zone. As part of Operation Odyssey Dawn five VAQ-132 Scorpions EA-18G Growlers moved from Iraq to Aviano AB in Italy to help fulfill the UN resolutions. EA-18G growler 166894 was the CAG aircraft during OOD.