E2Cs vs. Prowlers for NFOs

[redbaron79]

Hey folks,

Trying to research the E2C and Prowler communities for NFOs, and would like to hear thoughts on both.

Training...How's Advanced for E2Cs? VT-86? (IOW, is there a lesser of two evils?)

Anyone out there who wanted jets but was selected for E2Cs? Thoughts?

How's life in the E2C community vs. Prowler community? (Crew dynamics, family life, duty stations, life as a NAV... etc)



Thanks!

 

[Uncle Fester]

Welcome aboard. I drect your attention to the NFO forum, where you will find the following, among much else:
Prowler FRS sticky
VT-86 sticky
E-2 RAG sticky

 

[a_m]

Definitely read the above and if you have any other questions, try shooting a PM to any of the NFO's around here.

 

[redbaron79]

thanks for info

Thanks for the prompt responses! The links are greatly appreciated.

 

[ea6bflyr]

OR, you could talk to any of your E-2 instructors at VT-4/10 or come over to VT-86 and come talk to me about Prowlers. PM for more details.

-ea6bflyr

 

[HeyJoe]

Decisions, decisions...

020923-N-1280S-001 At sea aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) Sept. 23, 2002 -- An E-2C "Hawkeye" from the “Tigertails” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two Five (VAW-125) and an EA-6B "Prowler" from the “Scorpions” of the Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Two (VAQ-132) stand ready on the flight deck at night. The "Hawkeye" is an all-weather, tactical warning and control system aircraft that provides command and control functions for the battle group. The "Prowler" is a twin-engine aircraft used to provide an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft by jamming enemy radar, electronic data links and communications. VAW-125 and George Washington are based in Norfolk, Va. VAQ- 132 is based in Whidbey Island, Wa. The George Washington is participating in Exercise Mediterranean Shark during a scheduled six-month deployment, which has included combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch. Exercise Mediterranean Shark is a bilateral training exercise conducted in Morocco by a U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit MEU/SOC (Special Operations Capable), to show the effectiveness of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The MAGTF allows commands to task organized surface and air assets for use in meeting specific ends. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Lindsay Switzer. (RELEASED)

 

[Casual]

Training...How's Advanced for E2Cs? VT-86? (IOW, is there a lesser of two evils?)
!

Not that this pertains to the OP anymore since the thread's a bit old, but don't base your career path on which training command is easier/sucks less. I also direct that towards NFOs already in VT-86 who are choosing between strike/strike fighter. It's only a few months (or weeks, depending) of your life which will determine the rest of your career.

 

[TheBubba]

@heyjoe's photo...

Ahh... Grumman products. Gotta love'em.

 

[HeyJoe]

@heyjoe's photo...

Ahh... Grumman products. Gotta love'em.

Once upon a time in early 80s, there was actually an "All-Grumman Air Wing" (most of the fixed wing that is!). Now Grumman products are becoming an endangered species! Only the Hawkeye is "protected".

040629-N-5405H-055 Scotland (June 29, 2004) - An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the "Rooks" of Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Seven (VAQ-137) flies in formation with an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the "Screwtops" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two Three (VAW-123) over Scotland. The two Squadrons are part of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) embarked aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is one of seven aircraft carriers involved in Summer Pulse 2004. Summer Pulse 2004 is the simultaneous deployment of seven aircraft strike groups (CSGs), demonstrating the ability of the Navy to provide credible combat across the globe, in five theaters with other U.S., allied, and coalition military forces. Summer Pulse is the Navy's first deployment under its new Fleet Response Plan (FRP). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Joshua E. Helgeson (RELEASED)

USS Ranger departing for deployment with so-called Grumman Air Wing in 1987

 

[A4sForever]

I always said that some O-2 in the back of a Hummer was going to 'win' the War-at-Sea against the Rooskies.

BUT: IF you can't drop bombs ...

THIS is why you'd rather be an NFO in Queers vs. one in Hummers ... be part of the solution.

 

[scoolbubba]

@heyjoe's photo...

Ahh... Grumman products. Gotta love'em.

Northrop-Grumman Ironworks just doesn't have that ring to it.

 

[MIDNJAC]

USS Ranger departing for deployment with so-called Grumman Air Wing in 1987

They must not have noticed the Vikings on their flight deck