The Scorpions of VAQ-132 were originally commissioned as VP-29 and equipped with P2V Neptunes. In April 1957 they were redesignated VAH-2 and transitioned to the A3D Skywarrior at NAS North island, California. The following year their home station was changed to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. They remained at Whidbey until being redesignated VAQ-132 in November 1968, at which time they were transferred to Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Thirteen at NAS Alameda, California.

The squadron departed aboard USS Enterprise CVN-65 in January 1969 for its first Southeast Asia combat tour, followed by its second aboard USS America CV-66. It returned in November 1970 after completing an around-the-world cruise and, in January 1971, transitioned to the EA-6B at NAS Whidbey Island. The Scorpions became the first squadron to deploy with the then-new Prowler in April 1972 when they made their third combat tour of Southeast Asia, sailing on the America once more. As part of Attack Carrier Air Wing Eight, they flew ECM support for six different carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. In March 1973 they returned to Whidbey Island, completing their second globe-circling cruise in the process. Shortly thereafter, VAQ-132 transitioned to the Expanded Capability (EXCAP) version of the Prowler and departed aboard USS Independence CV-62 for a six month Mediterranean deployment. In October 1975, they departed on their second Mediterranean cruise aboard Independence, returned in May 1976, and were assigned to Carrier Air Wing Nine aboard USS Constellation CV-64. They left for a WESTPAC cruise in April 1977. Following their return, VAQ-132 provided jamming for the Navy's AEGIS program and went on to complete their eighth consecutive year of accident-free flying in August 1978.

They commenced their fifth EA-6B deployment in September 1978 aboard the Constellation. Toward the end of this deployment, the carrier was ordered to the Indian Ocean when tensions in the Mid-East tightened. The Scorpions returned to Whidbey Island in May 1979 and shortly thereafter transitioned to the Improved Capability (ICAP) version of the EA-6B, completing the change-over in September 1979. After a work-up period with Carrier Air Wing Nine at NAS Fallon, Nevada, they began carrier qualifications aboard the Constellation. While at sea, the Scorpions were assigned to Carrier Air Wing Seven, deploying aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN-69 for their second Indian Ocean deployment, where they continue to carry on as one of the main elements of the air-sea carrier team.