Prowler: Blinding Air Assault

(CBS)  The U.S. Air ForceÂ's EA-6B Prowler warplane blinds enemy radar and has been a part of the NATO air strikes on Yugoslavia since the first day, reports Tricia Manning-Smith of CBS affiliate KIRO.

One squadron of four Prowlers, based in Whideby Island in Washington State, and about 200 Whideby sailors are aboard the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt in the Adriatic Sea.

Capt. John Cryer, commander of the Whideby Prowler wing, said WhidebyÂ's total involvement in the NATO mission is at least nine Prowlers and 400 sailors.

Cryer said, Â"I think [having the Prowlers in Yugoslavia does] a great deal to ensure the success of the strikes.Â"

He said the Prowlers fly out of Aviano Air Force Base in Italy to complete their missions over Yugoslavia. Their main task is to create an umbrella of protection around the strike planes that follow them.

Cryer said local personnel are in a constant pattern of planning their missions, briefing and then carrying out the strikes.

Â"One of the biggest challenges is making sure theyÂ're able to pace themselves to ensure they have the kind of crew rest and sleep that is required in order to be able to start that cycle order over again,Â" Cryer said.

The Navy has confirmed that more of the enemy-radar jamming Prowlers from Whideby Island are en route.

Cryer said no matter how long the air strikes last, he isnÂ't concerned about his squadÂ's commitment to the NATO mission.

Â"The morale is as high as it could ever be in the squadron. The guys are focused like a laser in what theyÂ're doing over there,Â" Cryer said.