US Navy deploys EA-18G Growlers to Germany to bolster NATO deterrence on eastern flank

US Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to the "Garudas" Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 takes off from the flight line at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Six U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft from VAQ-134 based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, arrived at Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany yesterday, according to the US Department of Defense.

The DoD said the purpose of this deployment is to enhance NATO's readiness and collective defense position and further increase air integration capabilities with US allied and partner nations.

These Growlers are equipped for a variety of missions but they specialize in flying electronic warfare missions, using a suite of jamming sensors to confuse enemy radars, greatly aiding in the ability to conduct suppression of enemy air defense operations. They are accompanied by about 240 air crew, aircraft maintainers, and pilots.

The United States underlined that the fighters were not deployed to be used against Russian forces in Ukraine, but to bolster NATO's deterrence and defense capabilities along the eastern flank. The deployment is not in response to a perceived threat or incident.

Navy Capt. Christopher M. Bahner, who serves as commander of Electronic Attack Wing Pacific, said the team from VAQ-134 is prepared to carry out whatever mission is asked of them while in Germany.

"I am extremely proud of the men and women in VAQ-134," Bahner said. "The Garuda's have performed exceptionally well during their planned work-up cycle and stand ready to support U.S. expeditionary and allied task forces in Europe. Expeditionary EA-18G squadrons integrate with joint and coalition forces to provide our commanders capabilities to defend our forces in all potential phases of operation, while allowing our Carrier Air Wing EA-18G squadrons to remain at sea, defending freedom of navigation with our carrier strike group teams."

Images: USAF/Senior Airman Adriana Barrientos