A defense appropriations bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Saturday includeds $1.26 billion for the Navy to purchase 18 Growler aircraft to be based at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.
“This funding will help keep the Growler program — a vital part of our national security — on track, on time and on budget,” Congressman Rick Larsen said. “I’ve worked with my colleagues in Congress to make sure the Growler community gets the resources needed to continue their important work, and I’ll keep working to make sure this funding is included in the final bill.”
Larsen also worked to include appropriations for northwest Washington in the bill. He was successful in getting $1.5 million added for joint electronic warfare training at NAS Whidbey.
During the last fiscal year, the Navy’s Electronic Attack Warfare School at the base trained four cadres of military personnel to fill vacant or newly-created electronic warfare billets in Army and Marine Corps combat units.
The training was at the request of the U.S. Army, and was sponsored by the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization. The $1.5 million would help EAWS continue their work training electronic warfare staff officers who will fill billets with all joint commands and branches of the armed services.
“This funding would help meet the increased demand for electronic warfare training across the Armed Services,” Larsen said. “Because it’s an invisible capability in our military arsenal, it’s hard for people to understand the essential role that electronic warfare has played and will continue to play in our national defense. NAS Whidbey Island is the brain trust for this vital part of our national security. As the need for electronic warfare training grows, it’s only natural that the Prowler and Growler community will continue to lead the way.”
An additional $1.5 million would be earmarked for construction of aluminum chambered boats, a multi-mission watercraft that combines advanced electronics for communication with effective, light-weight armor. Advanced electronics will enable communications with Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force tactical operations, and allow for communications with forward-operating bases to provide advanced warning and the calling in of fire support. Armor will provide protection for the crew and craft as well as enabling high-speed and responsive maneuverability.
The House and Senate must agree on a final version of the bill before it goes to the president.
