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.
VMAQ-3 (Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3) “Moon Dogs” is one of four such
USMC units. Based at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina they conduct airborne electronic
warfare and in late 2004 were deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan. VMAQ-3 was assigned to the
455th Expeditionary Operations Group as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from January
2005 until August 2005 and was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation. After Afghanistan
EA-6B 160436 was re-assigned a few times before being retired to Castle Air Museum in Atwater,
California.