DTN News - BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing EA-18G Growlers Complete 1st Combat Deployment

DTN News - BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing EA-18G Growlers Complete 1st Combat Deployment

2 additional EA-18G squadrons now deployed

Growlers operating from aircraft carrier, land base

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / ST. LOUIS, July 12, 2011: Boeing [NYSE: BA] EA-18G Growlers operated by U.S. Navy electronic attack squadron VAQ-132 safely returned to their home base at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., on July 9, after completing an eight-month deployment that included combat operations in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility.

During the deployment, VAQ-132’s personnel and aircraft supported CENTCOM operations in Iraq before quickly transitioning to AFRICOM to conduct operations supporting NATO in Libya.

Additional EA-18Gs are deployed with electronic attack squadron VAQ-141 aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN77) aircraft carrier, marking the aircraft's first sea-based deployment. VAQ-141 is expected to conduct support missions as part of Carrier Air Wing Eight in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf regions.

A third electronic attack squadron, VAQ-138, recently deployed to a land-based location.

"It's a very exciting accomplishment for the Navy and for our nation to have the Growler in the fleet -- on time, on cost, and with the performance that was expected. What we're hearing from the fleet is that the young lieutenants and lieutenant commanders who are flying the aircraft are, just as we thought, taking advantage of the capabilities of the Block 2 Super Hornet to make the jet more effective," said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18G program manager (PMA-265). "We're looking forward to more feedback from the fleet in order to continue developing exciting capabilities for the aircraft."

"Boeing is honored to support the Navy and the service members operating and maintaining the new EA-18G Growler," said Kory Mathews, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president. "As we join the Navy in celebrating its first 100 years of aviation success, the service continues to achieve milestones that will stand out for decades to come."

The EA-18G is the only air combat platform that delivers full-spectrum airborne electronic attack (AEA) capability along with the targeting and self-defense capabilities derived from the Navy's frontline fighter, the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet. A derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F Block II, the EA-18G's highly flexible design enables warfighters to operate either from the deck of an aircraft carrier or from land-based airfields. It is replacing the Navy's current AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, which has been in service since 1971. The EA-18G joined the Navy's aircraft fleet in 2008, when it was introduced to fleet training squadron VAQ-129.

Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime contractor, leads the EA-18G Growler industry team, which also includes Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and General Electric Aircraft Engines.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 65,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

Philip Carder
F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs
314-234-6516
philip.b.carder@boeing.com

Boeing Related News;

July 12, 2011	Boeing EA-18G Growlers Complete 1st Combat Deployment
July 11, 2011	Boeing and TAAG Partner with Non-Profit to Deliver Textbooks
July 11, 2011	Boeing, US Air Force Reserve Welcome C-17s to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
July 8, 2011	Boeing Statement on Hewa Bora Airways Accident
July 8, 2011	Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis Raises $2.6M for Local Charities
July 7, 2011	Boeing Reports Second-Quarter Deliveries
July 6, 2011	Boeing Prepares Space Shuttle Atlantis for Final Mission
July 5, 2011	Boeing Values India Market for 1320 New Airplanes at $150 Billion
July 5, 2011	Boeing Awarded $99.5M Contract to Upgrade US Air Force B-1B Bomber
July 4, 2011	Boeing and ANA Begin 787 Service Readiness Validation in Japan
July 1, 2011	Boeing Statement on New US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta
June 29, 2011	Boeing Supports US Air Force Launch of Miniature Air Launched Decoy
June 29, 2011	Boeing Fort Walton Beach Facility Earns AS9100 Certification
June 28, 2011	Boeing Opens New 787 Vertical Fin Assembly Line in Salt Lake City
June 27, 2011	Boeing Begins Final Phase of 787 Flight Testing
June 27, 2011	Boeing Completes System Integration of High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator
June 27, 2011	Boeing Board Approves Quarterly Dividend of 42 Cents a Share
June 27, 2011	Boeing Receives UCLASS Study Contract from US Navy
June 23, 2011	Boeing Maintenance Program Honored by US Air Force
June 23, 2011	Boeing Delivers 777 Freighter to Etihad Crystal Cargo
June 23, 2011	Boeing Airplanes, Innovation and Technology Shine in Paris Air Show Spotlight
June 22, 2011	Boeing and American Airlines to Accelerate Quieter, Cleaner Aviation Technologies
June 22, 2011	Boeing to Lead Trade Mission to Morocco
June 22, 2011	Boeing, UTair Announce Agreement to Purchase 40 737s
June 22, 2011	Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation Selects Boeing to Provide World-Class Customer Support and Services

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing

*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

Contact:

dtnnews@ymail.com

©

COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS