U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft are being deployed eastward, with Naval Station Rota in Spain serving as a key staging point, supported by U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus tankers operating under callsigns GOLD31, GOLD32, GOLD41, and GOLD42. This movement is part of a broader U.S. military buildup in the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran. The tankers, using "GOLD" callsigns typical for Coronet missions (transoceanic fighter deployments), then continued eastward, with indications that the Growlers are bound for the Middle East after staging at Rota. SubscribeRota, a U.S.-Spanish naval base, is frequently used as a transit hub for assets heading to Europe or the Middle East. The EA-18G Growler, operated by U.S. Navy Electronic Attack Squadrons (VAQ), specializes in electronic warfare, including jamming enemy radars, disrupting communications, and suppressing air defenses to support strike operations.