Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior 142662 United States Navy

These are 1/72 scale decals for Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior 142662, assigned to VAQ-130 (Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130), operating from the USS Hancock (CVA-19).

The EKA-3B combined a powerful electronic jamming suite with a hose-and-drogue refueling system, making it one of the most versatile and operationally valuable assets in the carrier air wing during the Vietnam War. VAQ-130's EKA-3Bs flew ahead of and alongside strike packages over North Vietnam, blinding enemy radar and SAM guidance systems while standing ready to pass fuel to aircraft that needed it on the way in or out.

VAQ-130, the “Zappers,” was one of the Navy's established tactical electronic warfare squadrons, bringing the EKA-3B's unique capabilities to the demanding combat environment of the Gulf of Tonkin. The USS Hancock (CVA-19) — an Essex-class carrier and a veteran of both World War II and Korea — made multiple Vietnam-era deployments to Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin, operating a smaller air wing than the newer supercarriers but punching well above her weight throughout the conflict.

A great addition to any Vietnam-era Navy collection, and a fine companion to the VAQ-135 EKA-3Bs from the USS Forrestal. Please allow some time for decal printing and shipping.