The Boeing EA-18G Growler has completed its first combat deployment for the US Navy, with EA-18Gs from electronic attack squadron VAQ-132 returning home from operations in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf on July 9.
Returning to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island last week, VAQ-132 completed an eight month deployment which saw the aircraft participate in combat operations supporting the US Central Command (CENTCOM) in Iraq and later, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Libya.
The EA-18G first entered service with the US Navy in 2008, with the introduction of fleet training squadron VAQ-129.
Twelve of the RAAF’s 24 strong F/A-18F fleet are being wired for possible conversion to the EA-18G variant, pending government approval.
