Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Hernan Vidana

An EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 departs Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Exercise Valiant Shield 14. The biennial U.S.-only exercise focuses on engaging units at sea, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas.

YOKOSUKA, Japan–The first temporary detachment of U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack aircraft arrived at Clark Air Base, June 15, for training with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) FA-50 aircraft pilots.

In addition to bilateral training missions, Growler aircraft will support routine operations that enhance regional maritime domain awareness and assure access to the air and maritime domains in accordance with international law.

The detachment is composed of four aircraft and about 120 personnel assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 expeditionary squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Previous VAQ-138 detachments like this one have completed deployments to locations throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific and participated in several exercises with allies and partners.

Navy photograph by PO1 Frank L. Andrews

A Marine from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC) stands watch for Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 at Kunsan Air Base in the Republic of Korea. VAQ-138 is in Kunsan participating in Max Thunder, an exercise that integrates U.S. and Republic of Korea forces to train for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions to ensure mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

This detachment is part of a U.S. Air Contingent established by U.S. Pacific Command in April with the approval of the Government of the Philippines to promote interoperability and security cooperation. AFP offered to host the U.S. Air Contingent at Clark Air Base to train with their FA-50 fighter pilots and support units located there.

The first temporary Air Contingent was comprised of five A-10C Thunderbolt aircraft, three HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and approximately 200 personnel deployed from multiple Pacific Air Forces units. The forces deployed to the Philippines for exercise Balikatan and completed their final mission April 28.
 

Navy photograph by PO1 Frank L. Andrews

A sailor from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 performs maintenance on an EA-18G Growler at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. VAQ-138 is in Kunsan participating in Max Thunder, an exercise that integrates U.S. and Republic of Korea forces to train for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions to ensure mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.