A Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) manufactured EA-6B Prowler has returned home to its birthplace on Long Island, New York, following a long, successful service with the U.S. Navy.

Flown by a U.S. Navy aircrew from Electronic Attack Squadron One Two Nine (VAQ-129), the aircraft arrived at the American Air Power Museum today, following its final cross-country flight from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. VAQ-129 is the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps' only EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler training squadron.

"It was a great honor to bring this EA-6B Prowler back to its birthplace on Long Island," said Long Island native, U.S. Navy Lt. Andrew D'Ambrosio Jr. of the VAQ-129 "Vikings." D'Ambrosio is an EA-6B and EA-18G Growler flight instructor and originally hails from Amity Harbor, New York "On behalf of the men and women of the Navy and the Marine Corps who have flown the Prowler and depended on its uncompromising jamming capability to keep them out of harm's way, thank you."

"Northrop Grumman is a leader in airborne electronic attack technology, having designed, manufactured and delivered the first electronic attack systems more than five decades ago," said Steve Hogan, Vice President, Information Operations and Electronic Attack, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "Northrop Grumman is proud to be a part of the long and successful legacy of the EA-6B Prowler. Over the years, Northrop Grumman has refined and expanded airborne electronic attack capabilities to ensure our warfighters have what they need to successfully complete their mission and return home safely to their families. This Prowler is a symbol of the innovation and commitment of past, current and future generations of Northrop Grumman employees."

The Prowler, a twin-engine electronic warfare aircraft, first entered service with the Navy in July 1971, and was the only dedicated electronic warfare platform available to the Joint Forces until the fielding of the EA-18G Growler in 2009. Its primary mission is to jam and intercept enemy radar and communications and perform electronic surveillance. Over the years, the Prowler has undergone major upgrades to ensure it will provide the enhanced capability and technologies the warfighter requires to meet current and future threats.

The most recent upgrade for the EA-6B is the Improved Capability system which upgrades the on-board receiving system, providing an accurate threat emitter geo-locator and a selective reactive jamming capability against modern threat systems. The upgrade includes new cockpit displays, improved systems connectivity and improved system reliability.

Through the efforts of the Grumman Retiree Club, consisting of more than 5,000 active retirees, the Prowler was acquired on loan from The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.

Over the next few months, the aircraft will undergo a series of modifications to ensure it is demilitarized prior to being put on permanent display in Bethpage. During this time, the aircraft will be on display at the American Air Power Museum.