After three demanding weeks on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the Cougars of VAQ-139 returned home to Whidbey Island from Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

For CCSG7, CVW-14, and VAQ-139, it proved to be an arduous yet successful boat detachment. There were many lessons learned by the both new and seasoned Cougars.

The first set of challenges the Cougars had to overcome were minor maintenance issues with their new Improved Capability III (ICAP III) components. Many of the initial system start-up problems were remedied after two weeks of trial and error. Overall, the ICAP III Prowler successfully integrated into the COMPTUEX battle problems. The Cougars completed more than 97 percent of their scheduled flights.

The next challenge for the aircrew was the development of tactics to take advantage of the ICAP III’s advanced capabilities. In this endeavor, the Cougars participated in numerous long-range strikes to NAS China Lake and NAS Fallon, as well as a number of surface search, counter-targeting, suppression of enemy air defense as well as combat search and rescue missions. These missions amounted to an incredible amount of learning in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

In addition to flying, Lt. Rich Dungan received first-hand experience with the Navy’s newest aircrew survival equipment and the Combat Survival Evader Locator (CSEL) radio.

Dungan volunteered to simulate a downed aviator and was taken to a remote site in the desert to be rescued by air wing assents. The CSEL’s advanced capabilities aided in directing rescue assets to his location, enabling him to be picked up within four hours of being dropped off.

At the midpoint of COMPTUEX, the air wing acquired its blue water certification and started the final battle problem. CVW-14 joined forces with USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) for an exercise in dual-carrier operation. After successfully completing these two evaluations, the Cougars were ready to return home and take a well-deserved break.

The Cougars are now home and preparing to excel during Joint Task Force Exercises (JTFX) and prove the ICAP III is ready to deploy and defend American freedom.