Press Releases

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today hailed the Navy’s decision to redeploy an EA-6B Prowler squadron to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The Navy informed Larsen of the decision to initiate an environmental assessment survey, thereby starting the process to bring the Star Warriors squadron, VAQ-209, to Whidbey within the next 18 months.

“The Navy’s decision to bring the Star Warriors to Whidbey Island is one more sign of the importance of Whidbey Island to the nation’s national security strategy,” Larsen said. “I welcome the new Prowler squadron, whose pilots, support crew and their families will find a good and friendly home in Oak Harbor. The Star Warriors have a long and distinguished history, most recently serving our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will join a professional aviation community that works hard every day to provide security to our nation.”

The relocation of the Star Warriors will bring 4 to 5 aircraft, 30 officers and 190 enlisted personnel to Whidbey Island. The Star Warriors are currently based in at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

“The importance of the close relationship between Oak Harbor and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island cannot be overstated,” Larsen added. “Pentagon leaders respect the city’s strong advocacy for the base, and that advocacy is a key reason why the future of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is secure.

“I am keeping pressure on the Navy to make sure they follow through on their commitment to bring the P-8A Poseidons to Whidbey Island. With its location making Whidbey an ideal base for Asia-Pacific and Arctic operations, and with the community’s strong support, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island will remain an important asset both locally and for our nation long into the future.”