Air International — September 2017

MILITARY EA-18G GROWLER CAG-BIRDS

Growler

CAG-Birds

EA-18G BuNo 168256/NA500 is the current

CAG-bird with Electronic Attack Squadron 139

(VAQ-139) ‘Cougars’. Dan Stijovich

Electronic Attack Squadron 142 (VAQ-142) ‘Grey Wolves’ has its CAG-bird, EA-18G BuNo 168381/NH500, painted with dark blue vertical stabilisers.

The squadron is one of ten Growler units assigned to a carrier air wing. Dan Stijovich

Another colourful CAG-bird, EA-18G BuNo 168268/AC500, assigned to Electronic

Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130) ‘Zappers’ prepares to launch from the USS Dwight

D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for a mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Mass Communication Specialist Dartez Williams/US Navy

The US Navy has a tradition of painting its aircraft in colourful markings. That tradition

continues today with individual squadron CAG-birds. EA-18G Growler squadrons assigned

to the Electronic Attack Wing based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island are no exception.

Each squadron has a CAG-bird, each one designed to reflect the unit’s esprit de cours