USMC Phases out EA-6B Prowler

[ORAC]

Last squadron close this Friday, 9th March.

http://aviationweek.com/defense/week-defense-march-7-14-2019

Marines to Deactivate Last Prowler Squadron

The U.S. Marine Corps (http://awin.aviationweek.com/OrganizationProfiles.aspx?orgId=23395) will formally deactivate Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Sqdn. 2, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the last of its EA-6B Prowler units, on March 9, the end of the aircraft’s service with the Corps.

Over the last 42 years, Northrop Grumman (http://awin.aviationweek.com/OrganizationProfiles.aspx?orgId=30826)’s Prowler has flown 260,000 hr. and been deployed by the Marines more than 70 times.

The Navy and Marines developed the EA-6A and EA-6B to replace Korean War-era aircraft. The deactivation of Prowler squadrons marks the transition to the Boeing EA-18G (http://awin.aviationweek.com/ProgramProfileDetails.aspx?pgId=1057&pgName=Boeing+EA-18G) Growler fleet for electronic attack missions.

[Asturias56]

Good aeroplane that did sterling service - the early versions were a nightmare to maintain IIRC but it shows that you don't need or want stellar speeds etc to get the job done

[Lonewolf_50]

Solid airframe, awesome mission equipment.
So long Prowler; ya done good.

[sandiego89]

Well done to the type and the crews. An underappreciated airframe and mission.

Carrier decks and Marine Air Groups used to be much more interesting with a variety of unique types. Not so long ago an Carrier Air Wing would have had F-14, F/A-18 A/C, F/A-18E/F, S-3, EA-6B, E-2, C-2 and H-60 (and not much before that A-6, A-7, K/EC-3, S-3 helos....) Now it will be F/A-18 E/F/G, E-2, CV-22 and H-60. Capable, but not nearly the personality.