Wow, this brings back alot of memories. I worked on EA-6Bs from '78-'89 out of Whidbey Is. This is a sight I saw up close many times on a total of 7 different carriers. I use to be a "cat checker" for a while so I was very close. The only thing louder than a Prowler was a Tomcat in full AB.
The Tomcat was the best man! Still sad they're retired. Seeing the F-14A in full afterburner must've been the best sight in the world for you especially on a sunset!
I agree 'brettt', all the planes had a different sound or feel on the cat. I still swear to this day, and no one seems to believe me, but the plane that rattled my head like a paint can shaker was the Hawkeye. For some reason those turbo props had the most turbulent wash up there.
Yeah, after a while you could recognize a plane just by the engine sound. The E-2 was called a Hummer back then. Those things scared me to death on the deck, especially at night cuz you couldn't see the props, and unlike the jets it was sometimes difficult to tell what direction the turboprop sound was coming from. I find it interesting that this Prowler has a 500 side number. Back in my day they were always 600. The Hummers would be 600-603 and the Prowlers were 604-607.
I remember whenever I heard them coming, everybody would cover their ears except me, I love the sound of the EA-6B. Nice launch, I'd love to be that shooter.
Well Camaroson2008, yes some of these are still active. The thing on the nose is where they get refueled and thing on the tail is full of electronics that jam radar. Good luck on your Prowler model :)
I'm makin a model of a prowler now. And i have a few questions. A, are these still active? B, whats the thing on the nose? C, Whats up with the tail pod???
The tail pod contains the recievers that pick up the rf. From there it goes to the belly. To the piolts, then to the pods. The pods under the wings produce and amplify the rf which jams.
What does the Prowler do? What is it's function for the aircraft carrier? I am familiar with the hawkeye and F18s, but I have never seen this plane before. This weekend is the San Francisco Fleet Week, but unfortunately there will be no aircraft carriers, and they are replacing it with Canadian ships.
i was a shooter w/ vaq-138 94-99 on nimitz. the ea-6b is tactical electronic warfare airplane. it carries the HARM missile which takes out radar stations. i dont know much about its electronic warfare capabilities because i was a AMS3.(structure & hydraulic mech.) need to know basis and all, but the equipment it carried was locked away tight when not in use. hope this helps.
The EA-6b can jam transmission with the pods that hang under the wings. It can also block you cell phone or listen into your conversations. Its more of a defenseve airplane that protects Fighters so they can do thier job
I used to be in that squadron VAQ-136 Gauntlets. I was a Plane Capt. for Ironclaw 502. From 98 to 00. Even before they changed the numbers. Crossdecking from the Independance to the Kitty was kinda boring but it was in Hawaii :)
Miss that ship! the GW just doesn't compare!
navydx 1 year ago
Man I miss the boat. Nothing like watching that refueling probe wiggle amid the J52 roar as my Prowler shoots off the cat.
Lean6 1 year ago
YouTube needs a "fuck yeah" button.
thehoaxbuster 1 year ago 12
Sick!!!
allthatiswithinme 1 year ago
Makes me miss the shoot all over again.
CBKillas 1 year ago
my dad and my family lived in whidbey island before i moved to texas and ea 6bs were always my favorite planes. brings backs alot of memories!
sportsstud2446 1 year ago
Iron Claw! I was in 136 from 95'- 98'
feednicole 2 years ago
Prowler are my favortie jet on my ship flight deck. When they go to full power they are louder the a Rhino in full after burner.
PS: When lunched , you have to turn your face away from a prowler when it goes down the track, are you will get a lot of durt kicked in your face!
panamcunard 2 years ago
Wow, this brings back alot of memories. I worked on EA-6Bs from '78-'89 out of Whidbey Is. This is a sight I saw up close many times on a total of 7 different carriers. I use to be a "cat checker" for a while so I was very close. The only thing louder than a Prowler was a Tomcat in full AB.
brettt777 2 years ago 7
The Tomcat was the best man! Still sad they're retired. Seeing the F-14A in full afterburner must've been the best sight in the world for you especially on a sunset!
dimitri02 2 years ago
I agree 'brettt', all the planes had a different sound or feel on the cat. I still swear to this day, and no one seems to believe me, but the plane that rattled my head like a paint can shaker was the Hawkeye. For some reason those turbo props had the most turbulent wash up there.
ex VF-32 P/C
80-84
trotp3 2 years ago
Yeah, after a while you could recognize a plane just by the engine sound. The E-2 was called a Hummer back then. Those things scared me to death on the deck, especially at night cuz you couldn't see the props, and unlike the jets it was sometimes difficult to tell what direction the turboprop sound was coming from. I find it interesting that this Prowler has a 500 side number. Back in my day they were always 600. The Hummers would be 600-603 and the Prowlers were 604-607.
brettt777 2 years ago
I remember whenever I heard them coming, everybody would cover their ears except me, I love the sound of the EA-6B. Nice launch, I'd love to be that shooter.
euphoria0311 3 years ago
I am excited to see these in action! My son starts at Whidbey next month for electronics training on the Prowler-hope he likes it :)
VPMM of Pfc. Alex
1992252 3 years ago
Man oh man is this jet so LOUD.
euphoria0311 3 years ago
I
Love
This
Airplane.
greenseaships 3 years ago
Well Camaroson2008, yes some of these are still active. The thing on the nose is where they get refueled and thing on the tail is full of electronics that jam radar. Good luck on your Prowler model :)
brandyloucks 3 years ago
Actualy the tail is full of receivers. The pods do the jamming. I worked on these systems for 11 years.
brettt777 2 years ago
USS Ranger 77-81 VAQ-137 (collision at sea)
NOSMOJEFF 3 years ago
You were in VAQ-137 from 77-81????? I was in VAQ-137 from late 1980-1982! do we know each other I wonder?
brettt777 2 years ago
I got out Oct 1981 name was AD2 Jeff Wilmore..played the banjo...tried to anyway..now I am 51 and play the fiddle and mandolin :)
NOSMOJEFF 2 years ago
I was just an airman in the avionics shop at that point. Don't remember the name. I'll have to bust out the cruise book and see if you're in there.
brettt777 2 years ago
I'm makin a model of a prowler now. And i have a few questions. A, are these still active? B, whats the thing on the nose? C, Whats up with the tail pod???
Camaroson2008 3 years ago
yes they are. the thing on the front of the nose is the in-flight refueling boom. the tail pod is for jamming purposes.
dimitri02 3 years ago
The tail pod contains the recievers that pick up the rf. From there it goes to the belly. To the piolts, then to the pods. The pods under the wings produce and amplify the rf which jams.
ddvtsh 3 years ago
Does this look tilted or is it just me?
PatriotsRock562 3 years ago
wow
PatriotsRock562 3 years ago
I did a world cruise on the Kittyhawk in '87. The Prowler was my plane. God Damned do I miss that.
skiinjohn 4 years ago
thanks for the post.that was my cat right there.memories. when was this filmed?i used to be at deckedge.
piratatx 4 years ago
What does the Prowler do? What is it's function for the aircraft carrier? I am familiar with the hawkeye and F18s, but I have never seen this plane before. This weekend is the San Francisco Fleet Week, but unfortunately there will be no aircraft carriers, and they are replacing it with Canadian ships.
MOMofUSsailorONKH 4 years ago
i was a shooter w/ vaq-138 94-99 on nimitz. the ea-6b is tactical electronic warfare airplane. it carries the HARM missile which takes out radar stations. i dont know much about its electronic warfare capabilities because i was a AMS3.(structure & hydraulic mech.) need to know basis and all, but the equipment it carried was locked away tight when not in use. hope this helps.
markknofler 3 years ago
The EA-6b can jam transmission with the pods that hang under the wings. It can also block you cell phone or listen into your conversations. Its more of a defenseve airplane that protects Fighters so they can do thier job
bakaguyjean 3 years ago
I miss the Prowlers at NAS Whidbey!!!
SailorsPumpkin 4 years ago
I used to be in that squadron VAQ-136 Gauntlets. I was a Plane Capt. for Ironclaw 502. From 98 to 00. Even before they changed the numbers. Crossdecking from the Independance to the Kitty was kinda boring but it was in Hawaii :)
TheGreatBender 5 years ago
Love the Video
But Folks let me tell ya noice does no justice,
Now just imagine wedgeing your head in a paint shaker and someone chizzling at your teath(NOW THAT IS LOUD)Port Cat walk
leviticus75 5 years ago
i knew those guys look familiar.. i was on the hawk V-1.. from 2002-2005 i am at seal beach now.
kiba90660 5 years ago
is this kitty hawk??
kiba90660 5 years ago
yes this is the kitty hawk (summer '06)
japlandjustin 5 years ago