The VAQ-131 Lancers spent the last two and a half weeks at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho participating in numerous large force events with the U.S. and German Air Forces during a recent GAF mission employment exercise. Thanks to the effort put forth by the Lancers the detachment was a huge success for aircrew to expand their joint and multi-national warfare capabilities while preparing the entire squadron for a fast approaching deployment cycle.

The Lancer maintenance department was at the top of their game, achieving a 100 percent sortie completion rate, and keeping the jets prepared for missions at a moments notice. Overall, the Lancers flew 30 sorties and over 60 hours, during eight large force strikes and three basic fighter maneuver flights with GAF Tornados, while completing two level IV, seven level III, and nine level II flights.

Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Christopher Majors single-handedly ensured all of the aircrews’ flight gear and safety equipment was ready to go.

With 22 aviators constantly flying in and out of Mountain Home, Majors managed everyone’s equipment, while gaining some valuable experience along the way.

“I knew it was going to be busy, but it’s through those circumstances where you learn the most. I had a good time working side by side with the Germans,” Majors said.

Mountain Home AFB also provided great training opportunities for new aircrew to experience planning, briefing, and flying missions in a joint arena and with their German allies.

In many of the missions, the Lancers provided jamming and HARM missile strikes against simulated surface to air missile sites in support of Air Force F-16’s, F-15’s, A-10s, and German Tornados.

Aircrew also refreshed their skills in aerial refueling with KC-135 tankers and flying missions with night vision goggles over unfamiliar terrain.

Additionally, the Lancers took the opportunity to hone their skills in basic fighter maneuvers and countermeasures against German Tornados.

After taking a Tornado to three consecutive neutral merges Lt. Brian Murphy said, “we’re going to rewrite the book on third generation fighter counters. The days of turn tail and run are over.”

Lt.j.g. John Nelson, the Lancer’s newest pilot, added that “It was a unique experience to see so many different platforms come together to complete a mission. Flying with German Tornadoes as well as Air Force F-15s and A-10’s was definitely something you don’t get to do in the fleet replacement squadron.”

With the outstanding success of the Mountain Home detachment behind them and Joint Task Force Exercise on board USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) soon approaching, the Lancers are forging ahead with confidence in their readiness for their next deployment.