VAQ-139 Returns to NAS Whidbey Island

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

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island Oct. 20-22 after a five-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

The Cougars deployed aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) May of this year attached to Carrier Air Wing 14.

While in theater, air crew members from VAQ-139 were afforded the opportunity to cross train with expeditionary squadron VAQ-134, the Garudas. According to Lt. William Buhl, of VAQ-139, from Syracuse, N.Y., who participated in the exchange for approximately three weeks, the opportunity to fly the improved capability (ICAP) II EA-6B Prowler of VAQ-134 versus the ICAP III Prowler of VAQ-139 and seeing how ground Prowler missions operate was good experience.

"One of the benefits of the expeditionary mission is you take off and you're immediately there and providing support; already in the fight, so to speak," said Buhl. "It was also good just to meet other people in the community."

"It really benefited us because we got the chance to go see how they operate doing strictly ground operations and, for the (VAQ) 134 guys, it gave them the opportunity to see how we operate and do business on the boat. It was basically a cross-pollination between an expeditionary and ship squadron," said Cmdr. Daryl Walker, VAQ-139 commanding officer.

VAQ-139 flew a total of 1350 flight hours, 850 of which were flown in direct support of OEF as a result of 115 combat sorties, leading to a 100 percent combat sortie completion rate.

"For the Cougar team it was a great combat deployment; another successful year for us, and we went and did the job we were supposed to do," said Cmdr. Chris Middleton, VAQ-139 executive officer.

Over the course of the deployment, Reagan conducted four port visits to Singapore, Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, Phuket, Thailand, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Upon departing Hawaii, Reagan embarked approximately 800 friends and family members, 46 of which were with VAQ-139, for a six-day cruise back to San Diego before returning to NAS Whidbey Island. The "Tiger" cruise offered two air shows, approximately 60 fly-offs, night and day live-fire events, Explosive Ordnance Disposal fast-roping demonstrations and a basketball court set up in the hangar bay, among other games and activities.

"The Reagan may have put on the best tiger cruise I've been on," said Middleton, who embarked three family members for the cruise. "The morale, welfare, and recreation team really did a great job. It was incredible."

According to Walker, a deployment isn't over until you get everyone home safe and sound.

"The deployment was superb. The troops did everything that was asked of them; we didn't fail in any part," said Walker. "We brought everybody back that I took out, which, to me, makes the cruise successful."

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."

Wizards Return Home to NAS Whidbey

By Lt.j.g. Vidal De Jesus, Electronic Attack Squadron 133 Public Affairs



WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- The "Wizards" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Jan. 21, after a six-month combat deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Wizards left NAS Whidbey Island in July and immediately made their presence felt, with every Sailor contributing many long hours to the effort. The squadron flew night and day supporting U.S. and coalition forces in the global war on terrorism.

"There were some rough spots," said Lt. Cmdr. Peter Fey. "Our guys were hitting on all cylinders for a good while there. Whenever there was a cry for more Prowler support, they (our Sailors) came out and answered the call. You can't train that."

Along with the normal challenges of being forward deployed, there was the weather. The average temperature when the Wizards arrived in July was more than 100 degrees and when they departed it was 20. But, the severe weather swing didn't adversely affect the Sailors from VAQ-133.

"I just did my job and I'd do it again if I had to," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class (AW) Mark Becker.

But what every Sailor really cherished was returning home to their loved ones. With a sea bag on their backs, a rose in one hand and open arms, Sailors greeted well wishers who showed up in display of their appreciation, despite the frigid weather.

"This is great. This is what it's all about," said Yeoman 3rd class Eric Shroyer.

With the deployment complete, the Wizards look forward to well deserved time off before they begin training to do it all over again.

For many, this may seem daunting, but as Lt. Philip Bush said, "This is what we do and I wouldn't want it any other way."

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.”