It’s a very different situation now. What happened in the Prowler community is not applicable today. Growler experience is highly valued in the USAF now.The first two 'CAT I' USAF ECMO/EWO's came through the RAG about the time I was leaving Whidbey, 'promised' follow-on orders were F-15's but no guarantee. None of the USAF Prowler guys thought that was a good idea at the time but that is what big USAF had decided.
Almost all USAF Nav's went to the boat when I went through, it was seen as a good deal then.