Hobby Master 1/72 HA5001 EA-6B Prowler 164402, VAQ-136 Gauntlets Late 2011

Based on the A-6 Intruder the Northrop Grumman (formerly Grumman) EA-6B Prowler primary mission is to support strike aircraft and ground forces by interrupting enemy electronics and gathering tactical intelligence. The aircraft carries 4-crew and is in service with the USN and USMC. The first USN EA-6B was retired on June 10, 2011 and the last carrier deployment by an EA-6B took place on November 14, 2014. The USN will replace the EA-6B with the Boeing EA-18G Growler. The USMC will continue using the EA-6B until 2019. Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-136 Gauntlets was formed at NAS Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Washington on April 6, 1973. In 1978 they moved to Atsugi, Japan and assigned to the USS Midway of Carrier Wing 5. The Gauntlets were the first Prowler squadron to launch assaults against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. In 2008 VAQ-136 cross-decked from the USS Kitty Hawk to the USS George Washington. On March 11, 2011 a tsunami hit Japan so VAQ-136 deployed to Guam and from June until November 2011 they were on the USS George Washington.