VAQ-135 is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. Through the use of EA-18G Growler aircraft, VAQ-135 brings electronic based airborne attack and defense capabilities to Al Udeid’s joint environment by detecting, identifying, locating, and suppressing hostile “emitters.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)