VAQ-132 recently returned from a two-week exercise in central Alberta, Canada.

Maple Flag is an annual event designed to simulate the first 10 days of an air campaign, the time during which most casualties are historically experienced.  Its primary goal is to enhance the survivability and promote the proficiency of junior aircrew in those 10 missions in a structured, academic setting.

Every year since 1978, participants from all over the world fill the skies above 4 Wing Cold Lake, Canada’s largest and busiest air base.

This year’s event drew squadrons from Belgium, Germany, France, Israel, Great Britain, The Netherlands, New Zealand and NATO, along with Canadian Air Force and U.S. Navy and Air Force contingents, totaling more than 5,000 military personnel and nearly 100 aircraft.

Each day during Maple Flag, Scorpion aircrew worked with their international counterparts planning the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses portion of missions into the fictional nation of Sparkistan.

Following each day’s strike, Flag analysts provided feedback to aircrews as to the effectiveness of their planning and execution.

While all operations were kept at the unclassified level, the event provided some less experienced Scorps with their first exposure to large force tactics.

“Flying a mission with 70 other airplanes in the same piece of sky was pretty overwhelming, but everyone worked together professionally and safely to pull it off,” said Lt. Justin Van Hoose, a junior pilot. “By my third mission, I felt my aerial proficiency level skyrocket.”

Scorpion maintainers rose to the challenge as well, providing a 100 percent sortie completion rate for Maple Flag. The squadron made great strides in the two weeks, working at a pace they had been unaccustomed to in recent months.

At the conclusion of the exercise, six Scorpion Sailors were recognized as star performers. AE1 Jarrod Aragon, SK2 Toni Casarez, AA Michael Lull, AD3 Cesar Ortega, AMEAN Derrick Simon and ADAN Shannon Ugalde were presented with certificates congratulating them on a job well done.

VAQ-132 also enjoyed some well-deserved liberty while in Canada. Many took advantage of the Victoria Day long weekend for a variety of activities. While some brave Scorps went fishing on the recently thawed Cold Lake, others made the three-hour trip to Edmonton for some shopping, sightseeing and experiencing the nightlife.

The West Edmonton Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall, was a popular destination. With over 800 stores, 110 restaurants, an amusement park, a water park, two multiplex movie theaters and many other attractions, there was no shortage of entertainment.

When all is said and done, VAQ-132 will remember Maple Flag XXXVIII not only for the valuable training it provided, but also for some great liberty and a chance to foster a stronger sense of teamwork within the squadron and with our international allies.