A grand opening ceremony was held for the new EA-18G Growler Support Center on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, May 13. Construction began on the facility in November in preparation for the Navy's aircraft transition from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G.

The facility will accommodate 24 personnel who will act as consultants to assist Navy maintenance crews with the new technology the Growler brings to the fleet. Representatives from Boeing, Northrop-Grumman, General Electric, Naval Air Systems Command, Raytheon, and Naval Air Technical Data and Engineering Service Command will ensure squadrons have the capability to keep their aircraft ready and operational.

"[It's] really a huge government industry team effort that brings us here today, thank you for making a true team effort and bringing this facility here today that's going to support the warfighter," said Dave Sallenbach, EA-18G Integrated Logistics Support Program manager.

"They're all working in a partnership to provide spare parts, troubleshooting, engineering services, etcetera, that's what we're about, a true government industry partnership," Sallenbach added.

Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik explained the local community is behind the Navy community in their transition as they have always been and will continue to support the Navy in their ventures.

"This is a very exciting time not only for NAS Whidbey Island, but for the community of Oak Harbor. Since the first watch stood at NAS Whidbey Island in 1942, Oak Harbor and the Navy have enjoyed a special relationship that can only be described as unique. We support each other in times of need and in times of celebration," said Slowik. "Today's grand opening begins a new chapter in our 66-year history. I join with the city council in expressing our enthusiasm and especially our hometown pride that the Navy has once again chosen to invest the next generation of aircraft to Whidbey Island. We welcome the Growler community to Oak Harbor."

Upon the arrival of the first Whidbey Island Growler June 3, Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CVWP) will receive the aircraft to integrate into their fleet as they begin the transition from the EA-6B.

"It's not just a building, it's really the culmination of a ton of work by a lot of people. It's great to have a place for Boeing to all home and to welcome them as the newest partner in the Whidbey Island team," said Capt. Brad Russell, commodore of CVWP. "The Growler is an amalgamation of several different companies putting together a warfighting machine."

Bob Papadakis, EA-18G integration lead, NAS Whidbey Island, noted the success of the partnerships.

"This day definitely wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for the support from the Navy and the contractors in the local area, we just simply wouldn't be here.

"Whidbey Island and Oak Harbor to me are the model of partnership when it comes to the Navy [and] government team. I've seen the proactive stance this community has taken back in Washington, D.C., which is where all the attention is and it's how you keep your base healthy," said Papadakis. [ANN Salutes Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest]

FMI: www.navy.mil/local/naswhidbey