EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012: VAQ-129 EA-6B Prowler

By Fred Harl

Finding a Prowler at an aviation event is always a treat, since there were less than 200 manufactured from 1966-1991 and the recently deployed EA-18 Growler is taking over the electronic warfare mission in operational squadrons.  Almost any aircraft could be found at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012, and this Prowler from VAQ-129, the "Vikings" from NAS Whidbey Island, Washington was on display in Phillips 66 Plaza.   This particular Prowler, b/n 163404/906, is an ICAP III standard (since 2005) bird serving valiantly until the Growlers take over in the near future.  Here are some walk-around shots from midweek: