Two Additional Growler Squadrons Now Deployed
The U.S. Navy's electronic attack squadron VAQ-132 EA-18G
Growlers safely returned to their home base at Naval Air Station
Whidbey Island, WA, on July 9, after completing an eight-month
deployment that included combat operations in the U.S. Central
Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of
responsibility.
During the deployment, VAQ-132’s personnel and aircraft
supported CENTCOM operations in Iraq before quickly transitioning
to AFRICOM to conduct operations supporting NATO in Libya.
Additional EA-18Gs are deployed with electronic attack squadron
VAQ-141 aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN77) aircraft carrier,
marking the aircraft's first sea-based deployment. VAQ-141 is
expected to conduct support missions as part of Carrier Air Wing
Eight in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf regions.
A third electronic attack squadron, VAQ-138, recently deployed
to a land-based location.
"It's a very exciting accomplishment for the Navy and for our
nation to have the Growler in the fleet -- on time, on cost, and
with the performance that was expected. What we're hearing from the
fleet is that the young lieutenants and lieutenant commanders who
are flying the aircraft are, just as we thought, taking advantage
of the capabilities of the Block 2 Super Hornet to make the jet
more effective," said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18G program
manager (PMA-265). "We're looking forward to more feedback from the
fleet in order to continue developing exciting capabilities for the
aircraft."
"Boeing is honored to support the Navy and the service members
operating and maintaining the new EA-18G Growler," said Kory
Mathews, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president. "As we
join the Navy in celebrating its first 100 years of aviation
success, the service continues to achieve milestones that will
stand out for decades to come."
The EA-18G is the only air combat platform that delivers
full-spectrum airborne electronic attack (AEA) capability along
with the targeting and self-defense capabilities derived from the
Navy's frontline fighter, the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet. A
derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F Block II, the EA-18G's highly
flexible design enables warfighters to operate either from the deck
of an aircraft carrier or from land-based airfields. It is
replacing the Navy's current AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, which
has been in service since 1971. The EA-18G joined the Navy's
aircraft fleet in 2008, when it was introduced to fleet training
squadron VAQ-129.
NTSB Prelim: Piper PA-23
See All