After a two-month syllabus of grueling academics, simulators and tactical flight training, Lt. Erica Burfield graduated from the Electronic Attack Weapons School Prowler Tactics Instructor course. She will bring the most up-to-date tactical knowledge to train the Lancers.

The PTI course provides specialized training focused on maximizing the Prowler’s capabilities and effectively integrating the EA-6B Prowler into large force operations. The course finale consists of a two-week-long Mission Employment phase conducted at Nellis AFB, Nev., where large force tactics are used in scenario-driven exercises.

Operations include numerous platforms from both the Navy and Air Force, to include fighters, bombers, air refueling tankers and ISR platforms.

To show support for the all the participating weapons schools, squadrons throughout the Navy and Air Force, including the EA-6B community, provide combat-ready jets and aircrew to participate in the Nellis exercise.

“It was a great opportunity to work with so many different types of aircraft and with the Air Force,” said Burfield. “That kind of realistic training is hard to come by. It was also very beneficial to the junior officers who had never participated in large force tactics before.”

“The Nellis range is unmatched training for all involved,” commented Lt.j.g. Tyrone Gabriel. A new addition to the squadron, Gabriel and his peers gained significant experience in large force aircraft employment.

Aircrew are carefully selected by their commands for the PTI class. It’s a chance to receive some of the best training the community has to offer. The distinction Burfield achieved as an EAWS graduate testifies to her professional knowledge and dedication to becoming an expert on Prowler tactical employment.

Now that Burfield is designated a PTI, she will oversee the squadron’s Prowler Weapons and Tactics Program, a training continuum used by aircrew to obtain mission commander qualifications. Burfield will be instrumental in maintaining the Lancers’ high level of combat readiness during their next deployment.