The Navy is redeploying an EA-6B Prowler squadron to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, which will bring an additional four or five aircraft, 30 officers and 190 enlisted personnel to the island.
The Navy is initiating an environmental assessment survey, thereby starting the process to bring the Star Warriors squadron, VAQ-209, to Whidbey within the next 18 months. The Star Warriors are currently based at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen hailed the move in a press release Friday afternoon.
"The Navy's decision to bring the Star Warriors to Whidbey Island is one more sign of the importance of Whidbey Island to the nation's national security strategy," Larsen said. "I welcome the new Prowler squadron, whose pilots, support crew and their families will find a good and friendly home in Oak Harbor. The Star Warriors have a long and distinguished history, most recently serving our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will join a professional aviation community that works hard every day to provide security to our nation."
A spokesman at Larsen's office indicated that the Star Warriors will likely transition to Growlers along with the rest of squadrons.
Larsen said he's also keeping pressure on Navy officials to make sure they follow through with their commitment to also bring the P-8A Poseidons to Whidbey Island.
"With its location making Whidbey an ideal base for Asia-Pacific and Arctic operations, and with the community's strong support, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island will remain an important asset both locally and for our nation long into the future," he said.
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