The Boeing EA-18G Growler has replaced the venerable Prowler as the Navy’s primary electronic attack platform.
US NAVY CARRIER AIR POWER | FORCE REPORT
WITH VAQ-134 ‘GARUDAS’ having been the last EA-6B Prowler squadron to convert to the EA-18G Growler in 2015, this electronic attack derivative of the F/A-18F is now well and truly established in Navy service. Development of the EA-18G began in December 2003 and the initial production Growler made its maiden flight in September 2007. The type entered service in June 2008, when the first operational aircraft was delivered to VAQ-129 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. The EA-18G achieved IOC with VAQ-132 in September 2009 and deployed in an expeditionary role supporting Operation ‘New Dawn’ in November 2010 and Operations ‘Odyssey Dawn’ and ‘Unified Protector’ during March 2011. The aircraft’s initial carrier deployment began in May 2011 and today the entire operational fleet is based at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.
The Growler provides full-spectrum airborne electronic attack (AEA) capabilities and is designed to counter enemy air defenses and communication networks. The aircraft have also been heavily involved in recent operations tracing and pinpointing enemy communications.
