A grand opening ceremony was held
for the new EA-18G Growler Support Center on Naval Air Station
(NAS) Whidbey Island, May 13. Construction began on the facility in
November in preparation for the Navy's aircraft transition from the
EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G.
The facility will accommodate 24 personnel who will act as
consultants to assist Navy maintenance crews with the new
technology the Growler brings to the fleet. Representatives from
Boeing, Northrop-Grumman, General Electric, Naval Air Systems
Command, Raytheon, and Naval Air Technical Data and Engineering
Service Command will ensure squadrons have the capability to keep
their aircraft ready and operational.
"[It's] really a huge government industry team effort that
brings us here today, thank you for making a true team effort and
bringing this facility here today that's going to support the
warfighter," said Dave Sallenbach, EA-18G Integrated Logistics
Support Program manager.
"They're all working in a partnership to provide spare parts,
troubleshooting, engineering services, etcetera, that's what we're
about, a true government industry partnership," Sallenbach
added.
Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik explained the local community is
behind the Navy community in their transition as they have always
been and will continue to support the Navy in their ventures.
"This is a very exciting time not only for NAS Whidbey Island,
but for the community of Oak Harbor. Since the first watch stood at
NAS Whidbey Island in 1942, Oak Harbor and the Navy have enjoyed a
special relationship that can only be described as unique. We
support each other in times of need and in times of celebration,"
said Slowik. "Today's grand opening begins a new chapter in our
66-year history. I join with the city council in expressing our
enthusiasm and especially our hometown pride that the Navy has once
again chosen to invest the next generation of aircraft to Whidbey
Island. We welcome the Growler community to Oak Harbor."
Upon the arrival of the first Whidbey Island Growler June 3,
Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CVWP) will
receive the aircraft to integrate into their fleet as they begin
the transition from the EA-6B.
"It's not just a building, it's really the culmination of a ton
of work by a lot of people. It's great to have a place for Boeing
to all home and to welcome them as the newest partner in the
Whidbey Island team," said Capt. Brad Russell, commodore of CVWP.
"The Growler is an amalgamation of several different companies
putting together a warfighting machine."
Bob Papadakis, EA-18G integration lead, NAS Whidbey Island,
noted the success of the partnerships.
"This day definitely wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for the
support from the Navy and the contractors in the local area, we
just simply wouldn't be here.
"Whidbey Island and Oak Harbor to me are the model of
partnership when it comes to the Navy [and] government team. I've
seen the proactive stance this community has taken back in
Washington, D.C., which is where all the attention is and it's how
you keep your base healthy," said Papadakis. [ANN Salutes Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Fleet Public
Affairs Center, Det. Northwest]
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.16.24)
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