The Electronic Attack Weapons School (EAWS) graduated six new Prowler Tactics Instructors (PTIs) during a ceremony at the NAS Whidbey Island Officer’s Club June 12.  “I’m very proud of these six,” said Cmdr. Carden Warner, EAWS commanding officer.  “As the first class under my command I’ll always have a special affinity for these fine young men. They’ve done exceptionally well.”

The PTI course is an 11-week curriculum that includes academics, simulators, and flights, with the goal of creating professional instructors that have a complete tactical understanding of airborne electronic attack. 

During the course the students took several trips throughout the country. At NAS Fallon, Nev. they practiced maneuvering against F/A-18 Hornets and F-5 Tiger IIs, a training opportunity not often encountered in the fleet, but important in case a Prowler crew finds themselves up against a more maneuverable adversary. 

At Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., they learned how to integrate with the B-2 Spirit, and they studied surface-to-air threats at the Missile and Space Intelligence Center at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. 

Their final trip was to Nellis AFB, Las Vegas where they integrated with Air Force Weapons School students in what’s known as Mission Employment (ME) phase; a two week long exercise in which students practice mission planning and execution with other assets.  Each flight is graded, and is the equivalent of a final exam before graduation.

“I’m relieved to be done,” said Lt. Brendan Gray, one of the graduates. “I definitely have a more firm grasp of Prowler tactics and I’m ready to teach junior aircrew proper techniques.”

The graduates are Lt. Cmdr. Peter Fey, Capt.. Sam Hilyer, Lt. Brendan Gray, Lt. John Elrod, Lt. Chad Walker, and Lt. Matthew Blevins.