The Screaming Eagles of Patrol Squadron One passed a major hurdle of their Inter-Deployment Readiness Cycle last week as inspectors from Patrol and Reconnaissance Group came to Whidbey to perform a Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection.

The CWTPI is a five-day, three-phase inspection that evaluates a squadron’s readiness as it pertains to the loading and maintenance of ordnance. The first phase of the inspection reviews the shop’s administrative practices while the second and third phases consist of an evaluation of the squadron’s weapon loading procedures.

The evaluation team was made up of aviation ordnancemen from Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two homeported at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and Wing 10 personnel from right here at NAS Whidbey Island. These personnel observed and evaluated every facet of the ordnance shop’s loading procedures.

The load teams were given a preflight time and weapons loadout, which consisted of both wing and bomb bay stores, and a simulated takeoff time within which they had to perform the required load. In the end, the inspectors had nothing but accolades and an overall grade of “outstanding” for the safe and efficient manner in which the Screaming Eagle AO’s loaded weapons.

“This is the culmination of many long hours of uploading and downloading every piece of ordnance in our inventory,” said Branch Officer Lt.j.g Don “Gunner” Lewis. “The outstanding job contributed by each and every member of the ordnance shop is a testament to the months of preparation beginning when we came back off deployment in June of last year and will continue up to our Seventh Fleet deployment next December.”

Shop Leading Petty Officer AO1 Steve Slaydon pointed out, “With such a junior work center, I am proud of everyone’s performance, determination and flawless approach to the inspection. Nine of the 17 ordnancemen who participated in the inspection were doing so for the first time.”

AO2 Leandra Kelley and AO3 Christopher Teuscher added, “CWTPI is great because it lets us know where our weaknesses are and how to work out problems. We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity.”

AO3 Daniel McCarty concluded, “CWTPI proved that VP-1 AO’s can pull together to meet the demanding requirements of our Navy.”

With this inspection complete, the Screaming Eagle team stands ready to meet the challenges ahead. The coming months include a busy training schedule, which will prepare the combat aircrews and maintainers for the next deployment. With an AO shop like this one, one thing is certain, it’s bound to be a rewarding experience.