Hobby Master 1/72 HA5007 Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler 163890/AJ502 US Navy Farewell Scheme

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.

Production of the EA-6B Prowler took place between 1966 and 1991 when the last of 173 aircraft were delivered. The first EA-6B entered USN service at NAS Whidbey Island in January 1971 and one year later was operating in Vietnam. On June 27, 2015 the last USN EA-6B 163890/AJ502 assigned to VAQ-134 “Garudas” made its farewell flight during the Sunset Ceremony to celebrate the forty-four years of EA-6B service. This Prowler will be on display at Point Mugu, California. Garuda is a Hindu/Buddhist deity able to swiftly travel anywhere to protect.