Navy puts Growler to the test

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler from the VAQ-135 BLACK RAVENS of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington trained alongside Eielson pilots during RED FLAG-Alaska 12-1.

The BLACK RAVENS attended RF-A as just one portion of their training to familiarize themselves with the almost three year old EA-18G Growler. The transition from the EA-6B Prowler began in November 2010 and was completed late June 2011 with training.

"The squadron is working really hard to meet their goal to be deployable by February 2012," said Lt. J.G. Gregory Stammen, VAQ-135 Growler pilot. "That's less than a year which is a pretty short timeframe to get through all the work-ups after just transitioning a new jet."

Although there is still a ways to go the squadron is focused on their mission and prepared for the intense schedule they have ahead of them.

Training with the Growler does not stop after RF-A as the BLACK RAVENS will continue to train and exercise at other bases throughout the rest of the year to meet their objective.

"There is a lot of learning for the maintainers and aircrew because everything is so new, they're trying to feel out the whole system," said Stammen.

Compared to the Prowler, there are a lot more capabilities in this aircraft. Even though they are aware of them they must figure out how to implement them. In order to better help the strike package, the aircrew are working on developing a new mindset although they will not forget beneficial information from the Prowler.

"Everyday we've been learning new things," said Stammen. "The expanded capabilities of the Growler has required us to adopt a modified set of tactics."

EA-18G Growler participation in RF-A is key since any practice and familiarization leads to an overall better understanding of the aircraft in a combat environment.

Working jointly with Air Force counterparts is slightly different. Navy aircrew work closely with Airmen during the planning stages to ensure the capabilities of the Growlers are used to their fullest extent.

New equipment is beneficial for the mission and it can also be an enjoyable and challenging experience for servicemembers. At RF-A, pilots can exercise capabilities, becoming familiar with limits and boundaries for success in future operations.