Prowlers Get Their Props in the Press!

Not like we didn't know this...

But the AP is reporting on the usefulness of the Prowler in combating IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices) in Iraq.  [Article Link]

Vietnam-era Navy plane takes aim at new enemy: Iraq's roadside bombs

By Jim Krane

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A secret aircraft that debuted in Vietnam and usually protects U.S. fighter jets has taken on a different and crucial task over Iraq – trying to stop the scourge of roadside bombs by jamming ground signals from mobile phones and garage door openers.

The EA-6B Prowler is thought to be one of the most effective U.S. weapons against the bombs, the biggest killer of American service members in Iraq. But no one can be sure: Even supporters say its effectiveness is hard to measure... [More Here]

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson

Comments

[Tailspin Tommy]

Hah! I remember as a JO when, in the early '70s, the electric A-6 was considered so much extra baggage. Treated kinda like a little brother that always wanted to tag along. Sorry kid, us big boys have important things to do. Why don't you go do something useful like acting as bogey bait for the F-4s?

'Course then there was the day we had a clean bird for some reason and waxed one of those F-4s in a fair fight. Like snot on your finger, he just couldn't get us off. I remember riding down the Connie's escalator with Skipper Bernie Deibert, and then sauntering into the Phantom ready room together to enjoy watching 'em eat crow. I claim no credit for the outcome, but I sure enjoyed the moment.

As an aside, you know that gold-plated canopy the Prowler has to protect the crew? I always wondered what protected the F-4 crew or the A-7 driver snuggled up on our wing. Maybe we invented a new form of contraception. Oh wait, fighter pilots didn't need it. They used their personality, right?

[John Carmichael]

Deborah,

Your opinion is actually in concurrence with many on the tip of the spear. Prowlers have indeed been being "used-up" with all of the conflicts across the globe.

The Air Force used to have a similarly equipped (albeit slightly less capable) aircraft in the "Tactical ECM" (Electronic Counter Measures) role in the EF-111 Raven. But alas they retired their Jammer and now leverage use of the Navy and Marines EA-6Bs. Effectively doubling their tasking!

The US Navy is planning on replacing the Prowlers with the EF-18G "Growler" another aircraft built on the F/A-18F platform. (see: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-18g.htm ) And indeed the Navy will be employing more UAV's in the ECM role where they make the most sense. So please be assured that Manned Aircraft will still be in the skies that allow for immediate and complete Situational Awareness.

But as always... we would love to have unlimited budget to build the Military we think we deserve...

Thanks again for your comments Deborah...

-JC

[Deborah Aylward]

It is my humble opinion that the Pentagon might have increased the number of Prowlers as the aircraft aged, considering how their worth has been proven in combat zones. Maybe it's my age showing, but I also am apprehensive about the possibility of their being completely replaced with unmanned aircraft. There is no way to replace a pilot's skill and decision-making with a computer, even in "real time", and in a time of war this does nothing for the morale of the flight crews or the Troops on the ground.

These comments are stated with all due respect to all who both man and visit this site. Thank you.

Veritas et Fidelis Semper