VAQ-130 Lands its First Growler aboard Truman

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Taylor DiMartino, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At sea (NNS) -- Airborne Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, the Zappers, landed its squadron's first operational EA-18G Growler on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), July 18.

The Growler, a variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, replaced the EA-6B Prowler as the primary electronic warfare strike aircraft for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3.

Getting Growlers aboard Truman is a huge achievement for the squadron, said Cmdr. Jeff Chism, the Zappers' executive officer.

"This is the first time our squadron has landed a Growler aboard a ship," said Chism. "Truman is only the second carrier on the East Coast with a VAQ squadron embarked, and we are thrilled to be here."

Zappers' Commanding Officer Cmdr. Rich Vaccaro landed the Growler on Truman.

"The Prowler is an older aircraft," said Lt. Nathan Gingery, a VAQ-130 pilot. "The Growler will extend the electronic attack mission into the distant future."

The Growler has implemented and improved upon much of the old EA-6B equipment, said Gingery.

"The advanced radar jammers, while similar to the Prowler's, have been integrated in a totally different way into the Super Hornet's frame allowing for new additions like a better communication system," said Gingery. "The new system allows data transfer and communication between various aircraft and ships in the air wing and carrier strike group."

Pilots in VAQ-130 had no trouble adapting from the EA-6Bs to the Growler's Super Hornet air frame, said Gingery.

"We went from crews of four in the Prowlers to only needing two pilots in the Growlers," said Chism. "The pilots' transition from the EA-6B to the EA-18G's cockpit was almost seamless. It was streamlined by the Super Hornet's user-friendly controls."

Due to its Super Hornet air frame, the Growler allows for better integration with other squadrons embarked aboard Truman.

"Maintenance of the Growler's frame is much easier as we can now share parts with other squadrons," said Chism. "We never saw this type of squadron integration with the old EA-6Bs."

VAQ-130 is scheduled to train aboard Truman throughout flight deck certifications and carrier qualifications.

VAQ-132 Becomes First Operational Growler Squadron Safe for Flight

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The "Scorpions" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 held a flyover and a ceremony marking them as the first operational EA-18G Growler squadron to be designated
"Safe for Flight" on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Oct. 2.

The event marked the culmination of a seven-month training phase for VAQ-132 under the tutelage of VAQ-129, the fleet replacement squadron, as they transitioned from the EA-6B Prowler to the Growler.

"[This] was only possible due to years of dedicated effort by a list of people too numerous to thank here," said Cmdr. Scott Bunnay, VAQ-132 commanding officer.
"From the creative minds in [NAS] Patuxent River, to a dedicated line of requirement officers in the Pentagon, to the tireless plane captains in my line shack, a formidable team coalesced to bring the next generation of electronic attack to the Fleet."

Bunnay was proud of the accomplishments of his air and maintenance crews and confident in the squadron's capability.

"To all Scorpions; I feel honored to be surrounded by such a dedicated group of professional Sailors. You have proven that we will carry on VAQ-132's tradition of excellence," said Bunnay. "We will be ready when called to protect the security of our country by deploying as a highly capable and combat-ready squadron."

First Operational Growler Squadron 'Safe for Flight'

NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- Electronic Attack (VAQ) 132 received the official notification in a Sept. 22 Navy message from Capt. Tom Slais, Commander Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, that the squadron was certified "safe for flight operations in the EA-18G."

"Your hard work and dedication is exemplary, and I am confident you will continue to display the same pride and professionalism as you execute safe operations and maintain your aircraft," said Slais.

The first operational Growler squadron to attain "safe for flight" status since the first EA-18G arrived Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in June 2008 recently returned from a successful carrier qualification detachment on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) with a 100 percent qualification rate.

Operating out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., each pilot in the Fleet's first EA-18G "Growler" squadron completed a series of day and night arrested landings to become officially qualified to fly the newest fleet aircraft aboard Navy aircraft carriers.

"Carrier Qualification is a huge milestone in VAQ-132's transition to the Growler," said Bunnay, who was happy with the results of the detachment. "Squadrons build their reputations operating around the carrier, and I feel like we conducted ourselves with a high level of professionalism."

Since February of this year, VAQ-132 has been in the process of transitioning to the EA-18G under the guidance of VAQ-129, the Fleet Replacement Squadron responsible for training transition aircrew.

Along with the Scorpion aircrew, the maintenance personnel in VAQ-132 have been working non-stop to complete their requirements for the squadron's "safe for flight" qualification, which will allow them to operate airplanes autonomously.

Recently the maintenance department underwent a series of rigorous inspections conducted by Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet and performed above and beyond expectations.

Truman Traps its first Growlers

By Mass Communication Specialist Specialist 3rd Class (SW) David Giorda, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

USS HARRY S TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ 129 and VAQ 132 landed on board the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) for the first time Aug. 5.

"It's great. We've done a lot of training to get us out here on Truman. I was fortunate to be the one to come down first," said Cmdr. Jeff Craig, VAQ 132 executive officer.

The new Growler was designed to replace the EA-6B Prowler, which has been in service since 1971. The Growler is the next generation of electronic attack aircraft. It can go faster and use less fuel than the Prowler.

Aircrews from VAQ 132 are flying with instructor pilots from VAQ 129 for their carrier qualifications on board Truman.

The conversion from Prowlers to Growlers required months of training. Some benefits of the transition include streamlined maintenance on the Growler and improved weapons configurations.

The Navy is constantly looking to improve its mission readiness with new technology and advancements. The squadrons have already found many benefits with the new Growler.

"It's substantially less [maintenance] man hours than the Prowler," said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW) Aaron Dickerson, a member of VAQ 129.
"The Growler takes about thirty maintenance hours per flight hour where the Prowler is around sixty to seventy maintenance hours per flight hour. So the Growler is easier on maintenance personnel."

The Growler takes a lot of training behind the stick to fly. The training is not just for the pilots but also for the maintenance personnel who have to learn a new plane and maintain it properly to keep the plane in the air flying missions.

The Growler is the next step in streamlining the air wing. Most of the parts of the Growler can be interchanged with the FA/18E and FA/18F Super Hornet.

VAQ-129 Prowler 907 Makes Final Flight

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- A Navy EA-6B Prowler from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 made its final flight from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island in preparation for retirement July 20.

The flight of Prowler 907 terminated upon arrival at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz., where the 309th Aerospace and Maintenance Regeneration Group will begin the process of preparing the aircraft for reclamation and preservation.

"It's fitting that we mark this day of taking this aircraft to the "boneyard," but Prowlers still have quite a bit more work to do for the nation," said Capt. Tom Slais, deputy commodore of Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "[The EA-6B] is carrying the lion's share of the load for electronic attack in the U.S. military."

Prowler 907 began service August of 1975 and attained more than 11,000 hours of flight time, with more than 18,000 landings in nearly 34 years of active duty. In total, upon departure from NAS Whidbey Island, the aircraft amassed 7,019 field carrier landing practice landings, 9,069 field landings, 1,651 catapults, 1,656 ship arrested landings and 1,706 total arrested landings, reaching an average 147 catapults and 152 arrestments per 1,000 hours.

One of the former plane captains of Prowler 907, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Donnavin Brown, formerly of Electronic Attack Squadron 129, who now works for L-3 Communications Corporation on NAS Whidbey Island, was granted the privilege of fulfilling his prior role one more time to send the jet on its way. Brown was plane captain from August to December 2008.

"It's sad that my aircraft was the first to go to the boneyard, but I couldn't have asked for anything better," said Brown. "I was glad that I got to do this."

As the Navy transitions away from the EA-6B toward the EA-18G Growler more Prowlers will continue to be removed from active service, but the aircraft still provides substantial warfighter capability and will remain a valuable asset for the remainder of its lifespan.

"The thing about this is that it's 2009, and we're currently scheduled to fly this aircraft until 2013 so we still have [a few] years of flying EA-6Bs out of Whidbey Island right now, and the Marines will be flying them until 2019. We still have a lot more work to do with this aircraft," said Slais.

Stennis Puts New Growlers to the Test

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Elliott J. Fabrizio, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The EA-18G Growler and the advantages it brings are being tested for the first time in an integrated operational environment aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 as part of Operation Evaluation (OPEVAL).

The Growler is an electronic attack aircraft, using the same airframe as the F/A-18F Super Hornet. It's scheduled to replace the EA-6B Prowler in spring 2009 and continue the electronic attack mission in carrier strike groups.

"This carrier test is part of a large test matrix that we have for the airplane. Basically, it's the final exam for the aircraft," said VX-9 Electronic Warfare Branch Head Cmdr. Al Bradford.

Squadron pilots will fly during night carrier operations for the first time as they test the Growler's overall practical operability on the flight deck.

"During the tests, VX-9 will evaluate how the aircraft and its electronic attack components hold up during carrier landings," said Mike Dobelman, Boeing field service representative.

Stennis' flight deck crew is providing feedback as they work with the new aircraft to help VX-9 evaluate handling the Growler.

One concern the squadron is seeking feedback on is the difficulty of identifying similar aircraft.

Air Department Mini Boss Brice Lund noted that the jamming pods located on the wings of the Growler is one way to prevent miss-identification from arising during flight deck operations.

However, using the same airframe as the F/A-18F gives the Growler many advantages over its predecessor.
Growlers fly with a two-man crew where the Prowler needs a crew of four.

"The Growler crew is able to do the same mission with half as many people because the airplane has a lot of automated features that the Prowler does not," said Bradford. "Navigation, communications and the entire crew-vehicle interface is much more automated."

Replacing the aging Prowlers will also cut down on the amount of maintenance squadron Sailors must perform.
Changing the engine on an EA-6B Prowler requires about two days of work. Changing the engine on the EA-18G Growler only takes about two to three hours.
Growlers also reduce the work load on the flight deck.

"The Prowlers can't start on their own," said Aircraft Handling Officer Lt. Eric Harrington. "They need to get assisted power, so that means more ground support up here. Having the Growlers up here does away with that, because now they can start on their own. That'll minimize the amount of equipment and personnel that have to support that aircraft."

Having the Super Hornet's airframe not only makes improvements in operability, but adds new tactical elements, such as self-defense to the electronic attack mission.

While not intended for strike operations, the Growler can fire advanced medium-range, air-to-air missiles to defend itself.

Performing carrier landings on Stennis gives VX-9 a better sense of the Growler's tactical capacities and functionality as they conduct OPEVAL.

Testing new aircraft in an operational environment ensures that the Navy has access to the most technically advanced and operationally ready military assets to carry out America's Maritime Strategy.

Navy Welcomes New Era of Electronic Warfare

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

An EA-18G Growler lands at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for the first time. The Growler is being developed to replace the fleet's current carrier-based EA-6B Prowler. The next-generation electronic attack aircraft, for the U.S. Navy, combines the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet with a state-of-the-art electronic warfare avionics. The EA-18G is expected to enter initial operational capability in 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bruce McVicar)

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island ushered in the next generation of naval electronic attack aircraft with the official arrival of its first EA-18G Growler, June 3.

The event marks the beginning of the long awaited transition to the Growler from the Vietnam-era EA-6B Prowler.

Presiding over the event were the Honorable Donald Winter, Secretary of the Navy; Jim Albaugh, executive vice president of The Boeing Company; U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen; Capt. Bradley Russell, commodore of Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CVWP); and Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik.

"Thank you for inviting me to witness this landmark event in aviation history. Today marks the culmination point in a largely untold success story that began more than 17 years ago," said Winter. "I am pleased to note that this has been a success story and an excellent example of Navy contractor teamwork and collaboration. By leveraging and evolving legacy programs, the F-18 as a platform, and significant payload components from the EA-6B, this program now stands as a model case of what can be achieved."

As a more advanced and user-friendly aircraft, the Growler will only require two-man flight crews vice four for the Prowler. In the EA-6B, a pilot, navigator, and two electronic countermeasures officers were needed. The improved capability of the Growler requires less manpower, with only a pilot and an electronic warfare officer for in-flight missions.

"I've flown it, and I can tell you that both the naval flight officer in the back seat and the naval aviator in the front are going to be busy with their new responsibilities. There's going to be more information than you could possibly imagine at your fingertips," said Russell. "This is a big, fast, highly maneuverable jet that's going to give you total situational awareness to the battle-space out there. I tell you this: you're going to love your new office; however, let me caution you, crawl before you walk and walk before you run."

The Navy has placed an order of approximately 85 Growler aircraft. Of the 85, five will go to each of the 10 deploying Electronic Attack Squadrons (VAQ) and 12 are anticipated at the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), VAQ-129. Upon acceptance of this aircraft by CVWP it will be used by VAQ-129 to train their flight crews to ensure they can proficiently train the remaining squadrons. The first deploying squadron to receive the Growler will be VAQ-132, in 2009.

"The full extent of the Growler's extraordinary capabilities cannot be disclosed, but we can say that this next generation aircraft is in a class by itself, combining airborne electronic attack with the newest technologies that belong to the Super Hornet Block II," said Winter.

Today the Growler and its pilots are poised to forge a game-changing path in the history of air warfare, cited Winter. "This platform is a direct threat to current and potential enemies, and it represents a quantum advance in warfare capability in the electronic domain."

NASWI Makes Preparations for EA-18G Arrival

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest



Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) held a groundbreaking at Hangar 5, Feb. 15, to kick off its recapitalization in preparation for the arrival of the EA-18G Growler.

The first Growler is anticipated to arrive June 3 and, along with the Growler Support Center groundbreaking, Oct. 31, signs of progression toward the new NASWI will be moving forward over the next three-and-a-half years, according to Capt. Thomas Tack, commodore of Electronic Attack Wing Pacific.

"It's a new community in a sense that we are going from the aircraft we've known and pretty much loved for the past 36 years to a brand new airplane which is going to give us a whole host of new capabilities," said Tack. "The base is going to change over the coming decade. The electronic attack squadron community is also going to change drastically with new aircraft, new tactical systems, which is far more survivable, far more maintainable and a lot better warfighting machine."

The renovation will be a three-phase project lasting approximately three years. The construction began Jan. 22 and the third phase will be nearing completion in June 2010. The hangar is being designed to accommodate five EA-18G squadrons, an electronic attack weapons school and the wing maintenance department.

"Pretty much everything is going to get gutted out," said Brent Korte, project manager. "We're making structural upgrades to accommodate new codes, new hangar bay doors [and] new heating systems in the hangar bays. This new hangar is being designed to accommodate the EA-18G with everything designed to meet the needs of that aircraft."

According to Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik, not only is the NASWI looking forward to the transition, but the entire community as well.

"The community is so excited about it because it's all they talk about" said Slowik. "I know people on my staff are working with the Navy to make preparations to see the Growler when it arrives. We're hoping to have a proper celebration for it in June. It's very exciting times."

"It's coming and now we're starting to see the preparatory steps to deliver the first jet in June and the rapid transition of this community from an all EA-6B (Prowler) fleet to an all EA-18G fleet," said Tack. "This Growler Support Center and this new Hangar 5 complex are the first real tangible steps where you can say, 'there's a change going on at Whidbey Island.' For the guys that work and live on this base, this is the beginning. It's going to be exciting. It rocks."

First EA-18G Growler Lands at Whidbey Island

By Mass Communication 1st Class (AW) Bruce McVicar, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det Northwest
An EA-18G Growler lands at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for the first time. The Growler is being developed to replace the fleet's current carrier-based EA-6B Prowler. The next-generation electronic attack aircraft, for the U.S. Navy, combines the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet with a state-of-the-art electronic warfare avionics. The EA-18G is expected to enter initial operational capability in 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bruce McVicar)

For my friends on the PDX Milcom List

An airborne electronic attack aircraft, EA-18G “Growler,” made its first appearance in the Pacific Northwest at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island (NASWI), April 9.

The Growler combines the capabilities of the F/A-18F Super Hornet with the EA-6B Prowler and will provide next-generation electronic attack capability to the joint war fighter. The arrival marks the first time fleet air crewmen and maintenance men will get to lay their hands on the new platform concept jet.

“This is an exciting day,” said Capt. Tom Tack, commander, Electronic Attack Wing, Pacific Fleet. “We’re getting a glimpse of the future. This airplane will not only benefit the service members, but the taxpayers because it is easier to maintain.”

The Growler can achieve optimum speeds of Mach 1.8 and capable of offensive electronic jamming, electronic emissions detection, classification and monitoring, and electronic suppression of enemy air defenses. Along with being a state of the art weapon system, it also is economic by retaining 90 percent common parts with the Super Hornet, while reducing the operational crew from four to two.

“This plane represents the future of the Electronic Attack community,” said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Jennings, officer in charge of the EA-18G fleet introduction team (FIT). “It will provide electronic attack protection for all forces with its improved capabilities and upgraded and advanced airframe.”

FIT facilitated the transition from the EA-6B to the E/A-18G by setting up the training and maintenance program and provided feedback to the manufacturer. Aviation Structural Mechanic Senior Chief (AW) Raymond Hamilton of the team said they were proud to of the work done to prepare for the Growler’s arrival.

“There is already a supply chain out in place throughout the world,” said Hamilton. “It is good to finally see all of our hard work pay off.”

The E/A-18G is the Navy's replacement for the EA-6B as it enters it’s forth decade of service. Service members of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 are tasked with laying the ground work, facilitation upgrades and providing simulator training.

“People are excited about the arrival of the Growler, because it is new,” said Operation’s Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Jonathan Fields, NASWI range and schedule department leading petty officer. “Some of the service members may be sad to see the Prowler go, but they are looking forward to see some of the advancements in the Growler.”