US Navy scores first air-to-air kill with electronic attack Growler as it zaps Houthi target
An EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft has scored an air-to-air kill for the first time in the history of the US Navy.
Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 130, also known as VAQ-130 and nicknamed the Zappers, have now returned from a combat deployment which saw them carry out defensive operations in the southern Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
"I can't remember the last time the Navy had a more challenging deployment with a combination of multiple extensions, severely limited opportunities for R&R and true combat," said Commander Carl Ellsworth.
Cdr Ellsworth added: "[It was challenging], not just for aviators, but the crew of the whole strike group as well, in the most kinetic action at sea since World War Two.
"Words can't do justice to how proud I am of this Zapper team which performed their duty in combat amidst incredibly challenging circumstances for months on end, frequently not knowing what each day would bring.
"The best of our country is right here at VAQ-130."
While on deployment aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower supporting Operation Prosperity Guardian, the Zappers took part in combat operations to maintain security in international waterways.
Under Operation Yukon Lightning, VAQ-130 conducted seven pre-planned strikes against targets in Houthi-controlled Yemen.
During the deployment, the squadron claimed the first air-to-air kill for a US EA-18G Growler.
It also carried out nearly 700 combat missions to degrade the Houthis' capability to threaten commercial shipping in the region.
The Zappers engaged Iranian-sponsored Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles, Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles and one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles.
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