The Patrol Squadron (VP) 1 “Screaming Eagles” recently provided its Combat Aircrew 9 an opportunity to take part in live-fire exercise off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla.

The exercise was intended to hone the tactical skills of the aircrew. The event was hosted by Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11 and Destroyer Squadron 26 of the USS Harry S. Truman Strike Group and involved a coordinated strike of seven missiles on target.

Combat Aircrew 9 spent weeks preparing for the exercise, in which they fired an AGM-84D Harpoon missile demonstrating their crew motto, “On time, on target.” Countless hours of practice allowed the 11-member crew to function flawlessly as a single unit, resulting in a perfect missile strike. The live fire exercise satisfied crew readiness requirements as they prepare for an upcoming deployment.

“This is an ominous reminder to wrong-doers on the high seas that the P-3C is as effective as ever at conducting combat operations against enemy vessels,” said Lt. Josh Mattingly, squadron plane commander. “I’m very proud of the way our crew performed. I think we have really set the bar for firing the harpoon with our excellent precision, on time, and on target.”

“Although this was an exercise, it really bolsters our confidence, and I am certain this crew would be able to provide results if called upon to take offensive action in the line of duty,” he added.

The AGM-84D “Harpoon” is an anti-ship missile capable of operating in all weather conditions. The missile, developed by Boeing is radar guided and as such can be fired at a target located over the horizon. It was developed for the Navy in 1977 to serve as its basic anti-ship missile for fleet wide use and the P-3C Orion aircraft began using the missile in 1979.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to conduct our nation’s work. We train to effectively employ these weapons on target, on time. Today, the men did just that,” said Lt. Andrew Brown, tactical coordinator for CAC-9.