November 2017
Among the aircraft practicing landings at El Centro is this Growler from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), the only EA-18G Growler training squadron in the Navy. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare version of the two-seat F/A-18F Hornet, equipped with many systems like the AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers on the wingtips. In order to accommodate necessary electronics, the Growler is four feet wider and two feet longer than the F/A-18 Super Hornet. The Growler has replaced the Navy’s EA-6B Prowler which was retired in 2015. Nikon D7100w/80-400mm, processed with Aperture.