Free Republic

The EA-6B Prowler isn’t the fastest aircraft or the sexiest. A refueling probe on its nose and two bulging canopies over the cockpit give the jet the look of an overgrown metallic insect. But the Prowler’s ability to deliver a potent crotch kick to the enemy’s air defense systems made it an indispensable asset to the military for more than four decades. Since the aircraft was introduced at the end of the Vietnam War, it’s made significant contributions to every major conflict involving the United States. So important is the Prowler’s role in protecting other aircraft, ships and troops, no...

Yesterday, four EA-6B Prowlers belonging to Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-134 'Garudas' made a triumphant but bittersweet return to NAS Whidbey Island in upstate Washington. The squadron had been deployed aboard the USS George H.W. Bush for the last nine and a half months, and their arrival marked the end of the last EA-6B carrier deployment. The EA-6B Prowler has been flying for over 46 years. The aircraft it directly descends from, the A-6 Intruder, was first flown some 54 years ago. The Prowler also represents the end of a long line of over-engineered and incredibly capable naval jet aircraft built...

STUTTGART, Germany — Following President Barack Obama’s comments during a Wednesday news conference, in which he said the U.S. is no longer carrying the bulk of NATO’s military load in Libya, there has been much back and forth about what exactly the U.S. role is in Operation Unified Protector. Set against a debate about the constitutionality of the mission, the White House has defended American engagement in the campaign. The Obama administration says the scope of the U.S. engagement is limited in nature with a special focus on providing logistical support to allies, as well has suppressing Libyan air defenses...