PALM SPRINGS, CA – – As the sound of two Pratt and Whitney jet engines echoed through the San Jacinto Mountain Range, one of the last four Navy EA-6B ‘Prowler’ fixed-wing aircraft still in service, made its triumphant final fly-by over the Palm Springs Air Museum, Nov. 21, 2014.

“It was truly an honor to see such a great aircraft make its final voyage,” said Air Force veteran Don Broadhurst, ramp boss, Palm Springs Air Museum.

More than 300 people attended the retirement ceremony to witness the final flight of the aircraft that had been in service since 1987. The A-6 style fixed-wing aircraft has been in service with the U.S. military since the 1960s and part of the Navy’s aerial fleet since 1971 providing electronic warfare support and attack capabilities.

EA-6B ‘Prowler’
Navy Maintenance team performs post-flight checks on the EA-6B ‘Prowler’ fixed-wing aircraft after it lands for its retirement ceremony at the Palm Springs Air Museum, Nov. 21, 2014. The aircraft was retired after more than 20 years serving the U.S. Navy and will be put on display at the museum. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Julio McGraw/Released)

“It was an honor to fly this piece of history, and I have a good feeling that [the museum] is going to take good care of the aircraft,” said Navy Cmdr. Kirk Christofferson, executive officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 134.

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Navy retires ‘Prowler’ at Palm Springs Air Museum

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