EA-18G Growler jets from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island are actively deployed in the Middle East

As of early March 2026, EA-18G Growler jets from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island are actively deployed in the Middle East, conducting electronic warfare missions against Iran in support of "Operation Epic Fury". Specifically, VAQ-133 (the "Wizards") is operating from the USS Abraham Lincoln to jam enemy radar and communication systems. 
Key Details regarding the 2026 Deployment:

    Mission: Growlers are tasked with suppressing Iranian integrated air defense systems, protecting U.S. aircraft, and targeting military infrastructure as part of a joint U.S.-Israel campaign.
    Units Involved: VAQ-133 "Wizards" is deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, while VAQ-142 "Gray Wolves" is with the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean.
    Impact: Due to the active combat deployment, NAS Whidbey Island has suspended its weekly notifications regarding flight training schedules for operational security.
    Significance: Whidbey Island is the home of all Navy Electronic Attack squadrons, making this deployment a direct, significant contribution from the Washington state base to the escalating regional conflict. 

The deployment has brought heightened awareness to the local Whidbey Island community, with residents and officials recognizing the intense operational pace and the risks faced by service members.

AI Overview

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/whidbey-island-growlers-now-flying-combat-missions-against-iran/N3PXU552JFB33KMC7JUEVTZA7E/

https://www.king5.com/article/news/nation-world/attack-on-iran/whidbey-island-growler-operation-epic-fury-strikes-against-iran/281-fc9a3f06-e01f-4f95-ab2c-9d0935d13a8e

The Growler, a variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, is used to disrupt or jam enemy communications and radar systems. The Department of Defense posted a fact sheet listing Growlers as one of the U.S. assets employed in the first 24 hours of Operation Epic Fury; all but one of the Navy’s Growler squadrons are based at Whidbey Island.
https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/northwest/washington-air-national-guard-members-activated-to-assist-in-iran-war/article_9810d550-03c7-59c2-9a11-efff7ca675b8.html