EA-6B Prowler lands in Merced Co, to be displayed at Castle Air Museum

ATWATER, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new military aircraft will soon be on display in the North Valley.

A Marine Corps flight crew landed the EA-6B Prowler at Castle Airport on Wednesday morning on its way to the Castle Air Museum. The plane has been serving the Navy and Marine Corps since the early 1970's. The aircraft was used to jam the enemy's radar and detection facilities so allied crews could have safe access to their targets. But it's now being replaced by the Boeing FA-18 Growler in the electronic warfare role.

The prowler was used as far back as the Vietnam War, and some local veterans were there to see this one flown for the final time today. "It's bittersweet. It turned down its engines for the last time, fluids will all be drained, seats de-armed. It kind-of is cocooned... but it will be preserved in the museum... so people can see it for generations to come," said Joe Pruzzo, Castle Air Museum Executive Director.

The Prowler was flown from Maryland to Illinois, then Colorado and Arizona before finally arriving in Merced County on Wednesday.

YouTube Video - courtesy of Jeff Stewart