According to information published by the U.S. DoD on March 29, 2022, six U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington State are on their way to Europe and are expected to arrive at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

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EA-18G Growler aircraft (Picture source: US DoD)

The six aircraft are from VAQ 134, an electronic attack squadron also known as the "Garudas." The EA-18G Growler is a variant of the F/A-18 aircraft and combines the "Super Hornet" platform with an electronic warfare suite.

According to a Navy fact sheet, the EA-18G Growler 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.

About 240 Navy personnel, including maintainers and pilots, will accompany the aircraft to Germany, Kirby said. Those aircraft will remain based in Germany and are expected to fly missions in support of eastern flank deterrence and defense.

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is an American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The Growler's electronic warfare capability is primarily provided by Northrop Grumman.