Marine Corps Air Station Cherrry Point -- Marine Aircraft Group 14 held a ceremony May 13, to celebrate the arrival of the EA-6B Prowler Improved Capability III.
ICAP III is the result of a Marine Corps partnership with Northrop Grumman, an American aerospace and defense technology company.
Several hundred audience members, including Maj. Gen. James F. Flock, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing; and Maj. Gen. Carl B. Jensen, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East, listened as the leaders with the project praised 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s new addition.
The ICAP III provides the EA-6B Prowler with more powerful and additional tools to aid the war fighters, according to the Northrop Grumman Web site.
“The ICAP III represents a revolutionary leap in capability for electronic warfare,” Flock said. “Not only does it provide increased electronic warfare jamming capabilities, but it also provides increased capabilities in integrating the airplane with the battlefield.”
The EA-6B Prowler first joined the fleet in January, 1971 and Col. Russell A. Sanborn, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 14, said the new ICAP III extends its usage to 2019, marking an extraordinary 54 years of service for the aircraft.
“The Marine Corps has been waiting for this day for a long time,” Sanborn told the crowd. “Today, he who rules the electromagnetic spectrum will rule the day.”
The ICAP III system stands poised to address the fundamental shifts in war fighting brought about by the Global War on Terrorism.
“Warfare has changed,” Sanborn said. “The guy on the ground is the ultimate customer.”
Lt. Col. David A Suggs, commanding officer for Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4, said, “It’s a bold, new world. A corporal on the battlefield is able to direct and task an EA-6B.”
Representatives from Northrop Grumman participated in the ceremony, seeming as excited as the Marines about possibilities surrounding the new system.
Steve Hogan, Northrop Grumman’s vice president of Information Operations and Electronic Attack also addressed the Marines.
“This aircraft will be the cornerstone of the Marine Corps’ vision of the future of electronic warfare,” said Hogan. “We want to know when the terrorist with a cell phone or garage door opener is going to strike Marines on the ground. We know you’ll find creative ways to fight the Global War on Terrorism and protect Marines.”