Whidbey 'Growler' squadron ready to fly

By KOMO Staff & News Services

Summary

The Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-132 recently returned from flying off the aircraft carrier Harry Truman off the Virginia coast with a 100 percent qualification rate. Each pilot completed a series of day and night landings in the EA-18G.

More Local & Regional News

Story Published: Oct 2, 2009 at 1:47 PM PST

Story Updated: Oct 2, 2009 at 1:47 PM PST

Whidbey 'Growler' squadron ready to fly

Photo: Bryan Hollowell

WHIDBEY ISLAND NAVAL AIR STATION, Wash. -- The Navy says the first Growler squadron at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station is ready for action.

The Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-132 recently returned from flying off the aircraft carrier Harry Truman off the Virginia coast with a 100 percent qualification rate. Each pilot completed a series of day and night landings in the EA-18G.

The Everett Herald reports the squadron known as the Scorpions will mark the milestone Friday at an event at Ault Field.

The Growler is the Navy version of the FA-18F Super Hornet fighter equipped to jam enemy radar and radio communications.

The five-plane VAQ-132 squadron will be assigned to the USS Carl Vinson.

In three years, the Navy expects the two-seat Growlers to replace the four-seat Prowlers, which went into service in 1971.