Warplanes of the USA: Grumman EA-6B Prowler

Grumman EA-6B Prowler

(USAF Photo)

A US Navy (USN) EA-6B Prowler from the Electronic Attack Squadron-133 (VAQ 133), out of Whidbey Island, Washington, takes off from Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska, in support of exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002. Note that the aircraft wears the tail code "NL", assigned to the Commander VAQ-Wings, Pacific at NAS Whidbey Island. From 1956 to 1995 this was the tail code of Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15).

The Northrop Grumman (formerly Grumman)EA-6B Prowler is a twin-engine, four-seat, mid-wing electronic-warfare aircraftderived from the A-6 Intruder airframe. The EA-6A was the initial electronicwarfare version of the A-6 used by the United States Marine Corps and UnitedStates Navy; it was used during the Vietnam War. Development on the moreadvanced EA-6B began in 1966. An EA-6B aircrew consisted of one pilot and threeElectronic Countermeasures Officers,[3] though it was not uncommon for only twoECMOs to be used on missions. It was capable of carrying and firinganti-radiation missiles (ARMs), such as the AGM-88 HARM.[4]

The Prowler was in service with the U.S. Armed Forces from 1971 until 2019. Itcarried out numerous missions for jamming enemy radar systems, and in gatheringradio intelligence on those and other enemy air defense systems. From the 1998retirement of the United States Air Force EF-111 Raven electronic warfareaircraft, the EA-6B was the only dedicated electronic warfare plane availablefor missions by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Air Forceuntil the fielding of the Navy's EA-18G Growler in 2009. Following its lastdeployment in late 2014, the EA-6B was withdrawn from U.S. Navy service in June2015, followed by the USMC in March 2019. (Wikipedia)

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Zappers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Nov. 6, 2013, while underway in the Pacific Ocean.

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler unfolds its wings as it is directed to a catapult for launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) on Feb. 4, 2005. The Truman and its embarked Carrier Air Wing 3 is providing close air support and conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over Iraq. The Prowler is an advanced electronic countermeasures aircraft assigned to the Electric Attack Squadron 130 of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron 136 launches from the flight deck of the Aircraft Carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) during a squadron fly-off. September 2006.

(USAF Photo)

A U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 142 from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash., taxis down the runway during RED FLAG-Alaska 14-1 May 12, 2014, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The EA-6B Prowler carries out missions by jamming enemy radar systems and gathering radio intelligence on enemy air defense systems. Unit: 354th Fighter Wing.

(USAF Photo)Maintainers remove snow and de-ice a U.S. Navy Grumman EA-6B Prowler for the first official day of the Red Flag-Alaska 08-2 exercise on 7 April 2008 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (USA). Red Flag-Alaska provided training for deployed maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of a large-force deployed air operation. The EA-6B (BuNo 161883) was assigned to electronic tactical warfare squadron VAQ-209 Star Warriors of the U.S. Naval Reserve at NAF Washington/Andrews AFB, Maryland (USA). Three McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fighters are visible in the background.

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler, armed with an AGM-88 HARM missile, receives the signal to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis CVN 74. Stennis is forward deployed in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch.

(USN Photo)

A US Navy (USN) EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft, Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130), launches from the USN Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

(USN Photo)

Rear Adm. J.R. Haley, commander of Task Force 70, lands an EA-6B Prowler from the Gauntlets of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73)

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron One Forty One (VAQ-141) lands on the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Nine (VAQ-139) prepares for an arrested landing on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the “Gaunlets” of Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Six (VAQ-136) prepares to land on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the Black Ravens of Tactical Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, lands on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler from the "Yellowjackets" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 prepares to land aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the "Gauntlets" of Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Six (VAQ-136), makes an arresting landing on the flight deck aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the "Eagles" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 prepares to land aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman EA-6B Prowler (BuNo 161245) assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 "Gray Wolves" moves across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in the Red Sea. VAQ-142 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard the Nimitz for a deployment to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean since 30 March 2013.

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron One Forty One (VAQ-141) lands on the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Five (VAQ-135), makes an arrested landing on the flight deck aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

((USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130 catches an arresting wire while landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) on Oct. 4, 2010. The ship was deployed in the Arabian Sea supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the "Yellowjackets" of Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 138 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron One Four Zero (VAQ-140), performs a touch and go aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

(USAF Photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps Grumman EA-6B Prowler assigned to Marine tactical electronic warfare squadron VMAQ-3 Moon Dogs, prepares for take off at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, during Exercise "Cope Tiger 2003" on 26 February 2003.

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Lancers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 prepares to trap the arresting wire aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

(USN Photo)

n EA-6B Prowler from the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the "Yellow Jackets" of Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Eight (VAQ-138) performs a fly-by during flight operations conducted aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Feb 2003.

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Garudas of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in the Arabian Gulf. 21 July 2014.

(USN Photo)

A US Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft, from Electronic Attack Squadron 138, makes an arrested landing onboard the Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74).

(USN Photo)

A US Navy (USN) EA-6B Prowler aircraft, Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130), Zappers, Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Washington (WA), comes in for an arrested landing on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

(USN Photo)

An E/A-6B Prowler lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 are conducting operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

(USN Photo)

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler aircraft prepares to catch the arresting cable as it lands on the flight deck of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

(USAF Photo)

Two US Navy (USN) EA-6B Prowler aircraft fly a refueling mission over Incirlik Air Base (AB) Turkey, in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH.

(USN Photo)

An EA-6B Prowler aircraft from the "Patriots" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Four Zero (VAQ 140) patrols the skies over Bosnia and Herzegovina. VAQ 140 is part of Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW 7), embarked on board the US Navy's nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). The George Washington was on a scheduled six-month deployment to the Mediterranean, and had been operating in the Adriatic Sea in support of the NATO-led Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps Grumman EA-6A Intruder (BuNo 147865) and a EA-6B-60-GR Prowler (BuNo 160432) of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 (VMAQ-2) "Playboys" in flight. 1977.

(USN Photo)

At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Dec. 19, 2001 -- Commander Gary "Norm" Peterson's EA-6B “Prowler” jet heads for the number one arresting gear wire for his 1,000th Trap as a Naval Aviator. Cdr. Peterson's milestone occurred aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt while deployed in support Operation Enduring Freedom. Peterson is presently the Commanding Officer of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Seven (VAQ-137) which is part of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW 1) deployed with the Roosevelt.

(USMC Photo)

One of four EA-6B Prowlers belonging to each Prowler squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point aboard the air station 1 March 2016.

Grumman EA-6 Prowlers preserved in the USA

147865 – EA-6A on static display at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point inHavelock, North Carolina.
148618 – EA-6A on static display at Naval Air Station Key West in Big CoppittKey, Florida.
149475 – EA-6A on static display at the Wisconsin National Guard Memorial Library and Museum at Volk Field Air National Guard Base in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin.

(Tomas Del Coro Photo)

(Rob Bixby Photo)
156481 – EA-6B on static display at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
156478 – EA-6B on static display at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Washington.
156984 – EA-6A on static display at the Warner Museum of Aviation and Transportation in Sioux City, Iowa.

(AviationPhotographer Photo)

Grumman E-6B Prowler on Display at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.
158029 – EA-6B on static display at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Lexington Park, Maryland.
158033 – EA-6B on static display at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park, Maryland.

(Balon Greyjoy Photo)
158034 – EA-6B on static display at Charles B. Hall Airpark at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
158036 – EA-6B on static display at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Washington.

(kitmasterbloke Photo)
158542 FrankenProwler – EA-6B on static display at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. Three different ADVCAP airframes were assembled tocreate this one airframe.
158810 – EA-6B on static display at Naval Air Station Fallon in Fallon, Nevada.
158811 – EA-6B on static display at the Pacific Coast Air Museum in Santa Rosa, California.

(Balon Greyjoy Photos)

159909 -EA-6B on static display at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park, Maryland.
160432 – EA-6B on static display at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina.

(kitmasterbloke Photo)

(Clemens Vasters Photo)

(Alan Wilson Photo)
160436 – EA-6B on static display at the Castle Air Museum in Atwater, California.
160609 – EA-6B on static display at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida.

(USN Photo)

Pilots in the cockpit of an EA-6B Prowler fold the aircraft’s wings after flying from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. The Prowler was to be displayed at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum as the Navy and Marine Corps transitioned to the EA-18G Growler.

(Clemens Vasters Photo)
161882 – EA-6B on static display at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California. Formerly on display at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego, California.
161884 – EA-6B on static display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle,Washington. It is on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola, Florida.

(USMC Photo)

162228 – EA-6B on static display at the Frontiers of Flight Museum at DallasLove Field in Dallas, Texas. This aircraft along with 162230 participated in the decommissioning of VMAQ-2 in March, 2019.
162230 – EA-6B on static display at the Smithsonian Institution's Steven F.Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. This aircraft along with 162228 participated in the decommissioning of VMAQ-2 in March, 2019.

(Clemens Vasters Photo)

(cascadevideoproductions Photo)
162935 – EA-6B on static display at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California.
162938 – EA-6B on static display at the American Airpower Museum inFarmingdale, New York.
163033 – EA-6B on static display at the Hickory Aviation Museum in Hickory,North Carolina. It flew to the museum from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.
163047 – EA-6B on static display at the MAPS Air Museum in Canton, Ohio.
163395 – EA-6B on static display at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

(Clemens Vasters Photos)

(Wings Over the Rockies Photo)
163886 – EA-6B on static display at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Denver, Colorado.
163890 – EA-6B on static display at Naval Base Ventura County in Camarillo, California.
164401 – EA-6B on static display at Naval Support Activity Crane in Crane, Indiana.

Japan
160786 – EA-6B on static display at Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Yamato, Kanagawa.