The Navy's EA-6B Prowler Completes Its Final Carrier Cruise

Foxtrot Alpha ^ | November 15, 2014 | Tyler Rogoway

[sukhoi-30mki]

More pix at source

[null and void]

Such a decision would be asinine, but not out of the realm of possibility these days.

*sigh*

[RayChuang88]

The problem is that the EA-6B have exceeded the end of their airframe lives, especially since some of those planes are over 40 years old! And unlike conventional aircraft, those planes were subject to a lot of aircraft carrier landings and takeoffs, all of which are very hard on the airframe structure.

With the arrival of the EA-18G Growler, it's time to retire the EA-6B.

[sean327]

The Marine Corps will likely continue flying the EA-6B for the foreseeable future. The F-35 is not a viable platform for USMC Electronic Warfare mission needs. The Growler variant of the F/A-18 would be a more suitable replacement.

[Thank You Rush]

Is the second photo here of Whidbey Island? Fabulous picture.

[DesertRhino]

That’s not the issue. Their airframe lives are not even close. We still built these into the 90s. In fact we dumped many brand new ones into the ocean to create an artificial reef or so they say.
The actual purpose was to clear the way for the A-12.
The F-35 moonpig and the super insect can’t replace the A-6.
A responsible government would have updated some electronics on those fine machines and been done.
But politicians and procurement officers have careers to think of.

[hadrian]

Deception Pass and bridge, between Whidbey Island and the mainland.

[DesertRhino]

Most of the ones around today were built in the late 80s until about 91. They have been fantastically maintained and are not being retired because they are old. The industry just needs new projects. .. that’s it.

[Chode]

damn...

[smokingfrog]

[Thank You Rush]

Thank you. That must be the bridge that is shown in some TV commercials or shows?

[rlmorel]

One of my all time favorite planes. For a subsonic plane, if flew like a raped ape!

Sigh. I will miss that one.

[rabidralph]

BR-64 Growler

[Chode]

not tanker junkie either

[Exit148]

One of my sons proudly flew the Prowler— from the USS Nimitz. One time he safely landed without the flaps down, as a bolt had broken. Got a commendation for that one!

[Rodamala]

[Chode]

outstanding...

[beelzepug]

Deception Pass Bridge connects to Whidbey Island to the south and Fidalgo Island to the north which then connects to the mainland about ten miles away. There is no direct connection to the mainland except by bridge or ferry.

[B4Ranch]

Ike was right. The Beast of GREED has taken over the offices once held by honorable men. Our military industrial organization is single purposed and not in the least concerned with who will win the war.

[HartleyMBaldwin]

Just want to say that I find your aviation posts consistently interesting. Thanks.