[Llarry]

U.S. electronic attack capability resides in the EA-18G Growler aircraft operated by the Navy in 14 small (just 5 aircraft each) operational squadrons. Nine of the squadrons are assigned to carrier air wings -- one per aircraft carrier -- while five squadrons are designated "expeditionary" squadrons and are land-based.

Expeditionary squadrons are deployed world-wide to support U.S. and allied missions. Recent deployments have included U.S. Air Force and NATO airbases in Korea and Poland, for example. All EA-18G units are based at the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

The EA-18G was developed from the F-18F two-seat strike fighter with modifications to perform electronic warfare and attack missions and became operational in 2009. As with the F-18E and F Super Hornet strike fighters, it is somewhat unusual to see an EA-18G without two external fuel tanks to extend its range and endurance.

The EA-18G omits the Super Hornet's 20mm cannon, replacing it with electronics, and also deletes the F-18's wingtip missile rails, replacing them with electronic warfare receiving antennas.

For actual jamming of adversary radars, the Growler uses jamming pods. Up to three pods can be carried: One on the centerline and one under each wing. The older ALQ-99 jamming pods, in use for 50 years, are now being replaced by new-generation ALQ-249 pods. The Growler can also jam enemy communications.

In addition to jamming, the EA-18G can carry two radar-homing missiles and for self-protection can carry two AIM-120 medium-range air-to-air missiles.

Photo comments:
-- All photos show EA-18Gs with an ALQ-99 jamming pod on the aircraft centerline and with external fuel tanks under the wings.
-- The first two photos show EA-18Gs with ALQ-99 pods under the wings as well.
-- The 4th photo shows a Growler with the newer ALQ-249 jamming pods under the wings and an older ALQ-99, which covers different frequencies, on the centerline.
-- The 5th photo shows an EA-18G of a test squadron fully loaded with radar-homing AGM-88 HARM missiles under the wings and with AIM-120 AAMs on fuselage mounting points.

One foreign air force operates the EA-18G as well; the Royal Australian Air Force has a dozen Growlers in service -- see last photo.