Sightings: VAQ-209 "Star Warriors" EA-6B Prowler at Spirit of St. Louis Airport

By Carmelo Turdo

A Grumman EA-6B Prowler ICAP II from VAQ-209, "Star Warriors," arrived yesterday at the TAC Air terminal at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in West St. Louis County.  Commander Dana Perkins, CO of Electronic Attack Squadron 209, and his crew arrived around 11:00am and after lunch and refuelling, departed about three hours later.  Naval Reserve Squadron VAQ-209 is attached to the Tactical Support Wing at Naval Air Facility Washington, D.C.  Commander Perkins is also on the flight operations staff at Boeing St. Louis, testing Super Hornets, Growlers and Eagles.  Ironically, Perkins works on the EA-18G Growler, the aircraft that will eventually replace the Prowler he currently crews for the Naval Reserve.  Here are some views of the Prowler: