Philippine Sea. (January 6, 2025): With its minimal armament and heavy electronics payload, the Navy’s EA-18G Growler isn’t looking for a dogfight. In this photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Isaiah B. Goessl, Seamen Joslyn Ortega, left, and Demary Rivera perform preventative maintenance on this unique airplane aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.

The Growler is an electronic attack aircraft that plays a key role in disrupting enemy communications and air defenses. While flying from an aircraft carrier, the Growler can jam enemy radar, protect allied aircraft, and provide electronic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data to the fleet. 

It has a crew of two, a pilot and a Weapon System Officer, with a maximum speed of 1,190 mph and a combat range of 350 miles. Although not designed for dogfighting, the Growler does have significant self-defense capability. The aircraft carries AIM-120 AMRAAM and AGM-88 HARM missiles for self-protection and it can also carry weapons for conventional strikes. These include missiles, smart bombs, and anti-ship missiles. 

The Growler began production in 2007 and entered service with the US Navy in 2009. The majority of Growler squadrons are based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island with some based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. 

The USS Carl Vinson is the Navy’s third Nimitz-class supercarrier and is named for Carl Vinson (1883–1981), a congressman from Georgia, in recognition of his contributions to U.S. Naval forces.