Seattle Post-Intelligencer
July 30, 2003

Prowler Crashes; Whidbey-Based Crew OK

By Seattle Post-intelligencer Staff And News Services

A Navy Prowler electronic warfare jet from Whidbey Island has crashed into the Persian Gulf during a routine operation, but all four crew members ejected safely and were rescued, 5th Fleet authorities said.

The cause of the accident Sunday morning remained under investigation yesterday.

The crew members were reported to be in good condition after a rescue by Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6 from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.

The crew members of the long-range, all-weather Grumman EA-6B radar-jamming jet are attached to VAQ-135, the Black Ravens, serving aboard the Nimitz, which has been off Iraq since April.

The Vietnam-era jets are considered one of the most important planes in the U.S. military.