W
ELCOME TO THE 2018
edition of the US Navy
and Marine Corps Air
Power Yearbook. This
annual publication
aims to provide a
round-up of the most exciting action
from the ranks of two of the world’s
premier air arms, including insightful
interviews and reporting from the
cutting edge of naval aviation.
A central theme in this edition surrounds
one of the last ‘legacy’ tactical aircraft in
the US Marine Corps’ inventory, the mighty
EA-6B Prowler. In early 2019, VMAQ-2 will
retire its nal EA-6Bs, marking the end of
an era in US naval aviation. The Prowler
is the last in a generation of charismatic
fast jets assigned to the tactical electronic
warfare and jamming role. Its retirement
will be felt by a community that stretches
right back to the A-6 Intruder.In its place will be an integrated family
of capabilities, designed around podded
systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and
distributed technology. Many see the
Prowler as being irreplaceable.
Ultimately, the F-35 is stepping into
the void. Both the Marines and the
Navy are into their stride with their
respective Lightning IIs. In addition, the
Navy is making progress to ensure its
Super Hornets are ready for the future,
now being engaged in both service life
extensions and capability upgrades.Jamie Hunter,
Editor
E-mail: [email protected]4-5 Welcome C.indd 5 31/05/2018 15: