Six US Navy EA-18G Growlers have arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on deployment. The aircraft, which are from Electronic Attack Squadron 134 (VAQ-134) ‘Garudas’ at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, arrived on March 28.
The aircraft involved comprised 168765 ‘NL-530’ (callsign ‘Mazda 41’), 168936 ‘NL-531’ (‘Mazda 42’), 168767 ‘NL-532’ (‘Mazda 43’), 166946 ‘NL-533’ (‘Mazda 51’), 168259 ‘NL-534’ (‘Mazda 52’) and 169129 ‘NL-535’ (‘Mazda 53’). Providing tanker support for their transatlantic crossing were two US Air Force KC-10A Extenders, 85-0034 (‘Gold 91’) and 83-0082 ‘(Gold 93’), which both landed in the UK at Glasgow-Prestwick Airport, Scotland.
A statement the same day by Pentagon Press Secretary John F Kirby said the purpose of the deployment, which is being undertaken in co-ordination with the German government, “is to bolster readiness, enhance NATO's collective defence posture and further increase air integration capabilities with our allied and partner nations.” They have been accompanied by about 240 air crew, aircraft maintainers and pilots. It was not announced how long the Growlers are expected to remain in Germany.
Kirby went on the say: “They are not being deployed to be used against Russian forces in Ukraine. They are being deployed completely in keeping with our efforts to bolster NATO's deterrence and defence capabilities along that eastern flank. The deployment is not in response to a perceived threat or incident.” Despite his comments, this is clearly a deployment that would not have been envisaged under normal circumstances and must have been triggered by the perceived threat posed by the possibility of the conflict in Ukraine spilling over into NATO countries.”
He continued: “As we have said all along, the Secretary wants to keep options open. He is in constant consultations with General Wolters, and as a result of discussions with General Wolters, as well as the German government, this was deemed to be an additional move that could continue to bolster our deterrence and reinforce our defences on the eastern flank. This deployment is a prudent decision to continue to re-evaluate our force posture on NATO's eastern flank.”
Navy Capt. Christopher M Bahner, who serves as commander of Electronic Attack Wing Pacific, said the team from VAQ-134 is prepared to carry out whatever mission is asked of them while in Germany. He said: "I am extremely proud of the men and women in VAQ-134. The Garuda's have performed exceptionally well during their planned work-up cycle and stand ready to support US expeditionary and allied task forces in Europe. Expeditionary EA-18G squadrons integrate with joint and coalition forces to provide our commanders capabilities to defend our forces in all potential phases of operation, while allowing our Carrier Air Wing EA-18G squadrons to remain at sea, defending freedom of navigation with our carrier strike group teams."
The type is equipped for a variety of missions, but specializes in flying electronic warfare missions, using a suite of jamming sensors to confuse enemy radars, greatly aiding in the ability to conduct suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD) operations. The EA-18G integrates the latest electronic attack technology, including the ALQ-218 receiver, ALQ-99 tactical jamming pods, ALQ-227 Communication Countermeasures Set and Joint Tactical Terminal — Receiver satellite communications.
