Air International — September 2017

EA-18G GROWLER CAG-BIRDS MILITARY

Growler

CAG-Birds

Forward deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Electronic

Attack Squadron 141 (VAQ-141) ‘Shadowhawks’ was originally

assigned to Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) and made its maiden

deployment on the USS George H W Bush. Today the unit is as-

signed to CVW-5. Kevin Whitehead

Electronic Attack Squadron 134 (VAQ-134) ‘Garudas’ is

one of four EA-18G expeditionary squadrons which are not

assigned to a carrier air wing. All four units deploy to forward

operating bases in support of, but not exclusively, the US Air

Force. The squadron’s CAG-bird, EA-18G BuNo 168765/

NL530, features a four-colour tail flash and red titles. Mass

Communications Specialist Travis Litke/US Navy

EA-18G Growler BuNo 166934/NL540 is the CAG-bird of

expeditionary squadron, VAQ-132 ‘Scorpions’ seen land-

ing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Dan Stijovich

VAQ-131 ‘Lancers’ recently returned from deployment aboard the USS George H W Bush (CVN 77). The squadron operates a two-tone grey CAG-bird, EA-18G BuNo 168772/

AJ500, which appears to be coated in Have Glass paint; a coating designed to reduce the infrared signature of the jet. Mass Communication Specialist Christopher Gaines/US Navy