One small step for naval aviation,
one giant leap for the United States.
Electronic Attack (VAQ) 132 received the official notification in a Sept. 22 Navy message from Capt. Tom Slais, Commander Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, that the squadron was certified "safe for flight operations in the EA-18G."
"Your hard work and dedication is exemplary, and I am confident you will continue to display the same pride and professionalism as you execute safe operations and maintain your aircraft," said Slais.
The first operational Growler squadron to attain "safe for flight" status since the first EA-18G arrived Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in June 2008 recently returned from a successful carrier qualification detachment on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) with a 100 percent qualification rate.
I think I have made it clear how much I love this platform. Not perfect, some power issues to work out and a few other kinks in the system, but in all I believe the Growler is the best fighter introduced to the US Navy since the Tomcat, and probably the most important evolution of capabilities in naval aviation since moving to jet aircraft.
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