PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, Md. – The Navy’s newest airborne electronic attack asset, the EA-18G Growler, will be accepted by the commander of the Electronic Attack Wing at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, during a dedication ceremony at Whidbey June 3.

Capt. Bradley S. Russell will host Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, guest speaker for the event, and Congressman Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) at the celebration of the delivery of the first Growler to the NAS.

Also on hand for the event will be members of the Department of the Navy, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, Northrop-Grumman Corp., General Electric and Raytheon.

The Navy selected the EA-18G to replace the current airborne electronic attack platform, the EA-6B Prowler that has been in service since 1971.

The Growler combines the state-of-the-art two-seat, twin-engine F/A-18F Block 2 Super Hornet with the EA-6B Improved Capability III system to provide next-generation electronic attack capability to the joint war fighter.

The $1 billion contract for 57 aircraft was awarded Dec. 29, 2003, with the first Growler delivered to the U.S. Navy on Sept. 24, 2007. From now until 2013, 14 Prowler squadrons will transition to ten Growler squadrons.

Currently, the Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, comprises 4,970 active duty U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force personnel and 92 Department of Defense civilian employees and 180 Defense contractors.

NAS Whidbey Island is home for the entire U.S. Navy’s airborne electronic attack aircraft, to include the fleet readiness squadron and one forward-deployed squadron in Atsugi, Japan.

For more information about the EA-18G Growler, contact PEO(T) Public Affairs Office at 301-757-7178 or [email protected].

MEDIA NOTE

Media is invited to attend the Dedication Ceremony.

If you are interested in attending, please submit names, dates of birth and drivers’ license numbers to Kimberly Martin, NAS Whidbey Island Public Affairs Officer, at (360) 257-2286 or [email protected] by close of business on May 30.

In order to receive a media badge, Media must check into the Command Information Bureau located in the Chief Petty Officers’ Club ballroom on Ault Field Road. Proof of identification and media affiliation will be required.

Shuttles to the ceremony location will begin at 11 a.m. to allow time for set up. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. so Media must be in place by 12:30 p.m. There will be a designated media area with chairs, raised platform, etc.

Please note: A press conference with Navy leadership is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. following the ceremony.

Lunch is available at the CPO Club beginning at 11 a.m.

-- 30 --