Howdy Ladies and Gents,
I've spent the last seven years or so reading this forum in my quest to earn the coveted Wings of Gold. As ethereal as it once seemed, I've finally winged out of Meridian MS and selected Growlers! Needless to say, I'm elated to finally get a chance to fly a gray jet -- especially the E/A-18G as it was what I was hoping to select.
For the last several hours, I've been reading all the posts on the forum about growlers going back to 2004 or so, and I've got a couple questions I was hoping to get some insight on. In so doing, I may very well test the theory that the only dumb question is the one that's unasked.
First off, is my understanding correct that the entire syllabus is now being conducted in Whidbey Island? During our January Weapons det to El Centro, we observed several Growlers present -- I'm assuming they were simply on det as well. I also understand that the syllabus contains both the regular Hornet material (minus Strike) in addition to the electronic attack. Being that as it may, I'm not nieve enough to believe the G will be employed anywhere nearly as aggressively or in the same fashion as a standard VFA asset. The current loadout seems to be pods, drop tanks, HARMS, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and as of yet unexplored future possiblities. Also, I'm inclined to think that they'll never use this bird to tank like the regular Supers -- is this a sound assumption?
Finally, to the meat and potatoes of what I wanted to ask. I know this is well into the future, and I have often been accused of planning 10 steps ahead -- but it has served me well thus far. What opportunities are available to a single anchor VAQ guy after his first fleet tour (and do you see these changing with the E/A-18G). Obviously you have the VTs and the RAG, but what of such avenues as NSAWC and other opportunities at Fallon. Here at advanced, we haven't heard much on this. Will this primarily be a VFA route?
Any and all insight is much appreciated!
-Jamin'G
I've spent the last seven years or so reading this forum in my quest to earn the coveted Wings of Gold. As ethereal as it once seemed, I've finally winged out of Meridian MS and selected Growlers! Needless to say, I'm elated to finally get a chance to fly a gray jet -- especially the E/A-18G as it was what I was hoping to select.
For the last several hours, I've been reading all the posts on the forum about growlers going back to 2004 or so, and I've got a couple questions I was hoping to get some insight on. In so doing, I may very well test the theory that the only dumb question is the one that's unasked.
First off, is my understanding correct that the entire syllabus is now being conducted in Whidbey Island? During our January Weapons det to El Centro, we observed several Growlers present -- I'm assuming they were simply on det as well. I also understand that the syllabus contains both the regular Hornet material (minus Strike) in addition to the electronic attack. Being that as it may, I'm not nieve enough to believe the G will be employed anywhere nearly as aggressively or in the same fashion as a standard VFA asset. The current loadout seems to be pods, drop tanks, HARMS, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and as of yet unexplored future possiblities. Also, I'm inclined to think that they'll never use this bird to tank like the regular Supers -- is this a sound assumption?Finally, to the meat and potatoes of what I wanted to ask. I know this is well into the future, and I have often been accused of planning 10 steps ahead -- but it has served me well thus far. What opportunities are available to a single anchor VAQ guy after his first fleet tour (and do you see these changing with the E/A-18G). Obviously you have the VTs and the RAG, but what of such avenues as NSAWC and other opportunities at Fallon. Here at advanced, we haven't heard much on this. Will this primarily be a VFA route?
Any and all insight is much appreciated!
-Jamin'G
Give me a ring when you get out here