Marine Prowlers deploy to Iwakuni, Japan under UDP

The Pacific Pivot continues. In addition to more Marine Corps ground units being slated to be based at Okinawa on six-month rotations, it has also been revealed that a USMC EA-6B Prowler squadron has begun operating from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.

While the linked article above provides little in the way of specifics regarding deployment dates/number of aircraft, our sources have indicated that he first detachment of five aircraft from Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 (VMAQ-4) Seahawks have arrived at Iwakuni in early February, and the Prowler detachment will be part of the Marine Corps' Unit Deployment Program (UDP), which currently sees two Marine F/A-18 Hornet squadrons deploy to Iwakuni on six-month rotations. In addition, the aviation element of the UDP also sees Marine AV-8B Harriers and helicopters being stationed on nearby Okinawa.

The Marines currently operate four five-aircraft squadrons of Prowlers from MCAS Cherry Point in North Carolina. The EA-6B Prowler is an Electronic Warfare aircraft equipped with advanced electronic countermeasures and missiles capable of disabling/attacking enemy air defenses and gathering intelligence.

PHOTO: Prowler and Growler in Centennial retro paint schemes

(Click on thumbnail for high res image)
An E/A-6B Prowler from the "Vikings" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Wash., arrives at NAS North Island Jan. 27. The Prowler is painted in a throwback tactical paint scheme (circa 1942), honoring U.S. combat aircraft that fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea during World War II. The specially-painted Prowler is one of more than 200 naval aircraft, from pre-World War II to the present, participating in a Parade of Flight over San Diego Bay, kicking off a series of nationwide events celebrating the Centennial of Naval Aviation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Joseph Moon)

PHOTO: VAQ-131 Lancers CAG bird launches from the Lincoln

(Click on thumbnail for high res image)
101001-N-2821G-130 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 1, 2010) An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Lancers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), with Capt. John D. Alexander, commanding officer of Abraham Lincoln, aboard the aircraft as an electronic countermeasure officer. VAQ-131 is part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, which is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg/Released)

PHOTO: EA-6B Prowler CAG

(Click on thumbnail for high res image)
100915-N-9520G-005 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (Sept. 15, 2010) An EA-6B Prowler assigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island taxis down the flight line after completing flight operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio/Released)

PHOTO: USS Enterprise launches Prowler

(Click on thumbnail for high res image)
100816-N-0569K-005 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 16, 2010) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) give flight deck personnel and pilots the all-clear signal to launch an EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137. Enterprise is on a scheduled underway for its tailored ship's training availability and is making preparations for its 21st deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jared M. King/Released)