A carrier with EA-18G Growlers from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station is en route to assist with air strikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.
The USS Carl Vinson strike group, which includes Electronic Attack Squadron 139, replaces the USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group, deployed since Feb. 15, according to the Navy.
NAS Whidbey-based VAQ 134 has been a part of the departing strike group, and the squadron’s involvement will be the Navy’s final job for the Prowler.
“This is the final Navy EA-6B Prowler deployment, and that, despite its age, compared to the modern EA-18G Growler, the old Prowler, thanks to its dedicated maintainers and air crew, is proving itself right up to the end,” said Lt. Joseph Hontz, U.S. 5th Fleet spokesman.
The carrier’s air wing amassed 32,611 flight hours, 12,548 total sorties and 9,752 traps, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS and terrorists in Iraq and Syria, according to the Navy.
The Navy said in earlier news releases that the electronic attack squadrons are assisting in air strikes performed by the U.S. Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft, and that approximately 74 percent of the attacks are by the Air Force.
“The sailors who man our ships and squadrons should be extremely proud of what we, as a team, accomplished while deployed to the 5th Fleet,” said Rear Adm. DeWolfe Miller in a statement released by the Navy.
“Carl Vinson Strike Group has the watch and their presence, like ours, will enhance regional stability and make a difference in the fight against terrorism.”
In addition to the Growler squadron, the Carl Vinson strike group comprises seven squadrons of various attack and support aircraft totaling 6,200 sailors.
The carrier is also accompanied by four destroyers.
Upon its return to Whidbey, VAQ 134 will begin its transition to the Growler, which will complete the Navy-wide transition by the 2015 target date.
Prowlers will still be flown by the Marine Corps squadrons.
