Event honors arrival of Texas’ only EA-6B “Prowler” on display; features keynote speaker Rear Admiral James Lair, Ricky Raley, Veteran tributes, kids’ activities and much more!

The Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave., will mark the arrival of its latest aircraft, the  Northrop Grumman EA-6B “Prowler” BuNo 162228, with a community celebration on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to noon. This family-fun event features veteran speakers, photo ops, Q&A with former “Prowler” pilots and crew, refreshments, and activities for kids. Guests are invited to come “prowl” around the Museum and welcome the “Prowler” to her new home! For more information, visit: https://www.flightmuseum.com/ea-6b-prowler-party/.

The EA-6B “Prowler” was arguably the single most important Electronic Warfare aircraft ever produced. Its primary purpose was to protect fleet surface units and other aircraft by jamming hostile radars and communications. First deployed in 1972, the aircraft remained in service for more than four decades, operating from U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps units.

The Museum’s EA-6B “Prowler”, BuNo 162228, most recently served with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 (VMAQ-2), known as the “Death Jesters.” VMAQ-2 was the last squadron in the U.S. military to operate the EA-6B.

In March 2019, the squadron was decommissioned along with the last two “Prowlers” in active service, BuNo 162228 and 162230. The Frontiers of Flight Museum acquired EA-6B BuNo 162228 on loan from the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

The aircraft initially arrived at Dallas Love Field to a host of aviation enthusiasts and a water cannon salute for a job well done on March 12. This historic retirement flight holds the distinction as being the next-to-last “Prowler” flight in history. The Business Jet Center FBO and Manager Jason Pons hosted the pre-arrival ceremony and housed the “Prowler” during the demilitarization process.

“We are honored to have the EA-6B “Prowler” join the Museum’s extensive aircraft collection which is also home to many other treasured flying artifacts from our country’s history in aviation and space,” said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, President and CEO, Frontiers of Flight Museum. “We greatly appreciate CDR Bob Champney, USN (Ret.), and the DFW Tailhookers for their relentless campaign, efforts, and assistance in helping us acquire this historic aircraft, which is the only “Prowler” on display in the State of Texas. Although the EA-6B “Prowler” has been retired, its impact on air warfare will live on right here at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.”   

Prowler Party Highlights 

• Keynote Speaker: Rear Admiral James Lair, USN (Ret.) – A veteran of over 200 combat missions with over 8,000 flight hours and 1,400 carrier landings during hostilities in Vietnam, Lebanon, and Bosnia. Lair’s accomplishments include serving as Commanding Officer of the USS AMERICA (CV-66) and Chief of Staff for Commander, USN 6th Fleet.
• Q&A: Meet and greet former EA-6B “Prowler” pilots and crew members who are ready to answer your questions about this electronic warfare aircraft.
• Special Guest Sendoff: Help us cheer on paralyzed Iraq War Veteran and Boot Campaign Ambassador Ricky Raley as he raises awareness and funds for fellow veterans during his 2-week hand-cycle ride from Dallas to Ft. Pierce, Florida.
• Kid’s Activities: Color a “Prowler” mask to wear while you’re prowling around the Museum and create your very own VMAQ-2 Squadron “Jester” hat–just like the one on our “Prowler’s” vertical stabilizer. 

Guests can also become a part of “Prowler” history with a special EA-6B “Prowler” Museum Membership. For a $125 donation, aviation enthusiasts will receive a limited edition EA-6B “Prowler” t-shirt, commemorative patch, and a one-year membership to the Museum. In partnership with the VMAQ Monument Foundation, the donation will also help fund a commemorative bronze statue honoring those who served in the U.S. Marine Corps VMAQ Squadrons, which will be erected at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.  To learn more visit: https://www.flightmuseum.com/product/ea-6b-prowler-museum-membership/.

For more information on the Prowler Party, presented by the Frontiers of Flight Museum, visit: https://www.flightmuseum.com/ea-6b-prowler-party/  or call (214) 350-3600.

MORE ON THE FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT MUSEUM

The Frontiers of Flight Museum is conveniently located just north of downtown at 6911 Lemmon Avenue at the southeast side of Dallas Love Field Airport, north of Mockingbird Lane. Housed in a modern 100,000-square-foot facility, the Museum provides a focal point to explore the history and progress of aviation and spaceflight as the human race continues to pursue going higher, faster, and farther. Hours of operation: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Admission: Adults $10; Seniors (65+) $8; Youths/Students (3-17) $7 and children under 3 are free. For more information, including closings for private events and major holidays, visit www.flightmuseum.com.