Grumman EA-6B Prowler – VAQ-141 Shadowhawks, US Navy, USS Roosevelt, Operation Desert Storm 1991

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA5011: Grumman EA-6B Prowler 163527 “Eve of Destruction” of VAQ-141 Shadowhawks, US Navy, USS Roosevelt, Operation Desert Storm 1991. Production run of 600 models

Length 10 inches Wingspan 8.75 inches

In early 1991 VAQ-141 “Shadowhawks” deployed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Desert Storm. VAQ-141 was the first Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) aircraft to deliver ordnance by firing AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) on the first night. EA-6B Prowler 163527 “Eve of Destruction” was the aircraft assigned to the commanding officer of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 141. The air crew were Pilot/CO Cdr Frank “Axel” Folly, ECMO 1 LCdr Rick “Flash” Morgan, ECMO 2 Lt. Steve “Psycho” Schwing, ECMO 3 Lt.. John “Gordo” Gordon.

Developed from the EA-6A Electronic Intruder, the EA-6B is a carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft that was first flown on May 25th, 1968. The Prowler is a key element in any USN or USMC strike-force by disrupting and jamming enemy radio and radar signals, providing protection for attacking aircraft as they carry out their mission. The aircraft can also be equipped with anti-radiation missiles designed to home-in on enemy radar installations and neutralize surface-to-air missile threats. After a long history with the EA-6B, the US Navy began transitioning to the F/A-18G Growler in 2009.