History
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the earlier two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The EA-18G replaces the EA-6B Prowlers in service with the United States Navy. Production for the EA-18G began in 2007 and the aircraft entered operational service in late 2009.
The first Growler for fleet use was accepted by VAQ-129 "Vikings" at NAS Whidbey Island, in June 2008. At the time, the Navy planned to buy approximately 85 aircraft to equip 11 squadrons. The EA-18G completed operational evaluation in late July 2009. In August 2009, EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) and Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) completed their first at-sea carrier-arrested landing aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). The first deployable EA-18G squadron was VAQ-132 "Scorpions," which reached operational status in October 2009.