The VAQ-131 Ordnance Shop hit the ground running after a returning from deployment in early March. Excelling both at sea and ashore, the Lancer Aviation Ordnancemen and Maintenance Department provided full-mission-capable jets during an Air Wing Fallon detachment, aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a two-week strike group sustainment training and scored an outstanding during a Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection assist visit.

Executing an Air Wing Fallon detachment within a month of returning from deployment and a strike group sustainment exercise on board Lincoln six weeks later, Team Lancer epitomized the hard work, dedication and flexibility that is the hallmark of the Navy’s new Fleet Response Plan.

Both exercises allowed the Lancer Maintenance Department and Ordies to conduct valuable load team training in preparation for the CWTPI while staying ready for a no-notice surge deployment. Lancer aircrew benefited from having training HARM hung under their wings during training missions to the Fallon and China Lake ranges.

Lt. Josh Fuller, VAQ-131 Avionics and Armament (AV/ARM) Division officer, remarked, “It’s great to be able to fly with a HARM and train like you fight. Our maintainers made it look easy and everyone benefited from the outstanding training.”

Back at Whidbey, Lancer Ordnance continued to set the standard for the rest of the community. The CWTPI is an inspection that ensures all squadron ordnance programs are properly maintained, and all ordnance personnel can safely and correctly load jamming pods, HARM and expendables on an EA-6B Prowler. The CWTPI is performed once every deployment cycle.

To ensure a squadron is ready for the CWTPI, the Electronic Attack Weapons School conducts an assist visit prior to the formal weapons inspection. During the recent assist visit, the Lancer Ordnance shop received outstanding marks, (126.5 points of a possible 130), and became the first CVWP squadron ever have the assist visit count as the formal CWTPI. Commander Electronic Attack Wing Pacific commented, “You have set the precedence by being the first Prowler squadron to complete the CWTPI early—a true statement to your unwavering and continued drive for excellence.”

Any Ordie can tell you, that’s not an easy feat. Chief Petty Officer Richard Heard, VAQ-131 AV/ARM Division Chief, noted, “Performing well for the CWTPI takes year-round by-the-book maintenance practices and consistent training of junior Sailors.  These inspection results show the positive maintenance and command climate that is the Lancer standard.”

The Lancer Ordies include AO1 (AW/SW/NAC) Floyd Morvant, AO2 (AW) Tyler Mathes, AOAN Daniel Duff, AOAN Anthony Hussain, AOAN Joseph Manzano, AOAN Camilo Morales and AOAN Douglas Ayers, AOAN John Bird, AOAN David Manchion and AOAN Joel Monteclaro.