Cease Buzzer!: Life as a U.S. Navy EA-6B Pilot in the Era of Top Gun

by J.P. Springett II

Deny, Degrade, Deceive, and Destroy – These are the objectives of the crews that flew the EA-6B “Prowler.”

“Cease Buzzer!” is the author’s description of the world of tactical Naval Aviation from the perspective of a career EA-6B pilot. Embark on a three-decade long journey with the author as he navigates through flight training and his first several fleet squadrons, takes command of an EA-6B squadron, and ultimately steers the Electronic Attack Wing of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Discover life aboard a carrier, amusing port visits, engaging training detachments, and an array of high-intensity liberty experiences. Beyond the personal anecdotes, this book also sheds light on combat actions in Serbia, Kosovo, and Iraq, and provides a distinctive viewpoint on land-based EA-6B combat support in Afghanistan.

The period that this book covers could easily be identified as the “Top Gun Era” of Naval Aviation, and it was exceptionally busy for the real pilots of the U.S. Navy. The public is generally aware that Navy strike and fighter pilots flew hundreds of thousands of combat sorties, and employed millions of pounds of ordnance on enemy targets. What most will not be familiar with are the extensive operations of the EA-6B community during this period and the fact that no Navy striker or fighter went into harm’s way without their dedicated Electronic Warfare support.

The job of EA-6B crews was not intended to make it into the headlines. The aircraft was designed to “Deny, Degrade, Deceive, or Destroy” our adversary’s air defense systems so that the fighter guys could get their job done and safely return to the carrier. As the Global War on Terror transformed from conventional combat into an extended period of counter-insurgency operations, the EA-6B community discovered a new role; providing direct Electronic Warfare coverage for the troops on the ground.

While all of the carrier-based Prowler squadrons supported the troops from the sea, some of us left the carrier and began to operate our squadrons from air bases across Iraq and Afghanistan. Although this new obligation meant that the small EA-6B community was stretched to its limit, it was done without complaint. We were saving lives and ensuring that more of the young Americans who had volunteered to serve their nation could return home when their job was done.

“Cease Buzzer!” is the author’s attempt to capture some of his best Naval Aviation “sea stories” before they all fade away.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[Tom Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction describes the actual life and career of a military aviator in a segment of modern warfare that I don’t think existed 50 years ago. It's an amazing account that's both timeless and eye openingly futuristic. I enjoyed his descriptions of Navy training, visits to foreign ports, surfing the clouds inverted and much more. The stress of flying missions was palpable. Taking off and landing from a carrier, trying to find the "basket" to refuel in the air on a dark night and the constant reality of the possibility of death at any moment was realistic and frightening. The author describes dealing with the minutiae of day to day life in the military and the frustration of unchanging bureaucracy. One thing brought home to me time and again is the necessity of military people to remember countless acronyms: LSO, SDO, VAQ-135, FCLP. WTF, take notes!

[Mick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good pilot story collection, especially if you like the unlovable A-6

JP weaves his career as an EA-6B pilot into an enjoyable and fun read. Much like Stephen Koontz, you can tell Springett has a deep seated affection for the unglamorous A-6 aircraft that comes across in his writing. He's a direct and enjoyable author to read, I can't wait to try his fiction.

[Kimberly Walla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back seater

Thanks for your years of service and the insights into the role of the EA6B. As a former Navy NFO who opted for an early out after a stash, I was hoping for more insights into the aircraft missions and crew interactions. I must say that I was disappointed that the book hardly mentioned the work and contributions of the other 3 guys in the aircraft.

[James Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great look inside naval aviation

I liked the perspective of the author and the choices he made in telating events during his long career. Read the entire book in several sessions, a real page turner. Strongly recommended.

[Daryl Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable and enjoyable book on the Naval career of an EB-6 pilot. Lots of detail about training, flying and experiences from junior officer to senior command. Well written. Lots of material about life and flying on aircraft carriers. Highly recommend.

[Kevin Meenaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostalgic and fun. Great stories that reminded me of many of my own similar Naval Aviation stories. J.P. takes the reader from flight school, through multiple deployment and combat-aviation accounts to squadron command and beyond. Enjoyable read.

[Richard A Lambing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Demonstrates the importance of electronic warfare aircraft, to modern operations.
Richard

[Nic Greene]

More sea story than aviation bio but a great glimpse into the life of a naval aviator in those halcyon years before correctness took over.

[Kent M Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Worth The Time

Enjoyable reading about the EA6B from someone who flew it extensively. Not a lot of exaggeration, just experience. I would recommend it.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile read

This is a thoughtful memior of service in a Prowler. The details of the life of a Navy pilot are intriguing and I'm glad I read this book.