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Royal Australian Air Force learning to GROWL

March 7, 2015 RAAF Trains on EA-18G Growler with US Navy
Jonathan Derden 1 Comment News

Five Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aviators recently completed training for the Boeing EA-18G Growler at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. Although the RAAF currently operates the two-seat Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet on which the Growler is based, this initial group is the first to undergo Growler-specific training with the US Navy.

The Aussie aircrew trained with VAQ-129 Vikings, the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the Growler, and builds upon the already strong RAAF-US Navy partnership from a similar setup during the RAAF’s initial Super Hornet training at NAS Lemoore. Following their graduation, the newly-minted Growler crews are slated for two-year tours with US Navy fleet expeditionary squadrons.

Per the US Navy article: “The graduation of the first crews marks a key milestone for our partnership,” said Capt. Darryl Walker, commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “The RAAF aircrew are truly outstanding in the air and have proven to be highly-capable officers. The RAAF personnel addition to our expeditionary force is a win-win for both countries.”

As the first foreign customer for Boeing’s tactical electronic attack solution, Australia has ordered a dozen Growlers, to be delivered in 2017 with hopes to be IOC by 2018. Operating from the RAAF’s Base Amberley, the Growlers will join their Boeing counterparts of No. 1 and 6 Squadrons, both of which fly the Super Hornet.

Congratulations to both the US Navy and the RAAF!

A Boeing EA-18G Growler from VAQ-129 Vikings gets airborne from Nellis AFB, Nevada during Red Flag 15-1.

A Boeing EA-18G Growler from VAQ-129 Vikings gets airborne from Nellis AFB, Nevada during Red Flag 15-1.

EA-18G 166894 KNJK

A Growler from VAQ-129 turner base to final at NAF El Centro.

EA-18G 166858 KNJK

VAQ-129 CAG taxis to parking after beating up the pattern at NAF El Centro.

About the Author

Jonathan Derden is an Airline Transport Rated-pilot with a regional airline in the mid-Atlantic region. Chair flying since being spoon fed as a child, Jonathan is a graduate of the aviation program at Jacksonville University and has been an airline pilot since 2007. When he's not flying for work, he's traversing the planet in search of the next opportunity as an aviation photojournalist. Jonathan began his photographic pursuits as a teenager while learning how to use his father's camera at a local general aviation airport, and has since broadened his horizons to include and now focuses on military aviation.

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