[MilCom] First EA-18G, which one of you guys will be the first to hear the EA-18G

[Greg Brazil]

NNS060807-09. CNO Accepts New EA-18G Growler

 >From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen
accepted on behalf of the Navy the EA-18G Growler in a formal roll-out
ceremony at The Boeing Company's facility here Aug 3.

The Growler will replace its aging predecessor, the EA-6B Prowler, as the
Navy's air platform for electronic warfare.

"The EA-18G Growler is a first-class aircraft with a key mission at a
critical time in our history," said Mullen.

Naval aviation, he explained, has been a very integral part of the nation's
defense in both peace and war.

"As we have seen in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, naval
aviation brings revolutionary capabilities to the fight and demonstrates
again and again the enduring criticality of naval air power," said Mullen.

The Growler's speed, range and robust self-defense systems will serve as
force multipliers for the joint force, Mullen noted.

"Its pilots and crews will employ Growler's systems not just to jam
signals," said the CNO, "but to control all aspects of the electromagnetic
spectrum to protect our troops and engage our enemies."

Program managers and engineers saved the Navy billions of dollars, Mullen
argued, by using innovative methods such as testing cutting edge technology
in existing aircraft and then using the already proven F/A-18 E/F Super
Hornet's airframe to create the aircraft.

"Less than three years ago, we signed the contract, and here we are today,
on schedule and under budget with a new electronic attack aircraft that
exceeds every performance measure," said Mullen.

Mullen praised the men and women flying electronic warfare missions for the
Navy in the war on terrorism and stressed the importance of getting Growler
to the fleet.

"This roll-out comes none too soon," said Mullen, "because as we speak, the
Growler's predecessors are themselves flying vital missions over Iraq and
Afghanistan, and they need to be replaced as soon as possible.

"I recently visited some of our Prowler crews in Iraq. I can tell you that
they are superb and, like all the Sailors and Marines I met there, are doing
remarkable work. It is hard, grueling, vital work. In some ways and in some
places, the most vital we are doing."

The CNO also acknowledged the hard work of all those involved in designing
and building the Growler.

"You can be justifiably proud of this fine aircraft you have provided our
Navy and nation," said Mullen. "Right now, day in and day out, naval
aviators bet their lives on your aircraft, flying at sea, far from land, and
in combat over some of the most remote places on earth. They are succeeding
in their tough missions because of the terrific aircraft you have built for
them."

The Growler must still undergo test and evaluation, beginning with a first
flight planned in the next two weeks, a month earlier than expected.

For related news, visit the Chief of Naval Operations Navy NewsStand page at
www.news.navy.mil/local/cno/.

                                   -USN-