VQ-2

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-2, also known as "Batmen" and later "Sandeman," was an air reconnaissance squadron of the United States Navy was established on 1 September 1955 and based at NAS Whidbey Island, flying Lockheed EP-3 aircraft. The squadron was disestablished on 22 May 2012.Squadron History1960sVQ-2 was commissioned on 1 September 1955 to provide the United States with an improved defense posture. Designated Electronic Countermeasures Squadron TWO (ECMRON TWO) at the outset, it was homeported at NAS Port Lyautey.The squadron originally utilized the P-4M-1Q Mercator and the P-2V Neptune as mission aircraft. In September 1956, a new and faster carrier-capable A-3D-1Q Skywarrior. In January 1960, the squadron was transferred to NS Rota, Spain.In early 1960, the squadron's name was changed to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (VQ-2). Shortly thereafter, the P4M-1Q aircraft were replaced by the WV-2Q Super Constellations. In October 1962, the WV-2Q was redesignated the EC-121M Super Constellation.1970sOn 26 February 1970, an EA-3B was lost while operating from USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Mediterranean. The catapult system malfunctioned in mid-stroke, resulting in the Skywarrior “dribbling” off the bow and being run over by the carrier. Four of the crew members died in the accident