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Shadowhawks complete EA-18G milestone with flawless CWTPI

AD1 Pius Yangal
VAQ-141 Aviation Ordnancemen and Aviation Electronics Technicians breathe a collective sigh of relief following successful CWTPI. Ordnance from left: ALQ-99 jammer pod, AIM-120 AMRAAM and AGM-88 HARM.

Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 received a satisfactory grade with an outstanding rating in 13 of 13 categories during the first Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection (CWTPI) for a fleet EA-18G Growler. 

“First zero/zero inspection for a Growler transition squadron, although the AV/ARM division is the focal point, such quality results would not be possible without the overall command support,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Senior Chief (AW) James Grassman. “The motivation of all involved was inspiring.”

The inspection, conducted in hangar 5 at NAS Whidbey Island, was the culmination of six weeks’ preparation.

Inspectors from the Electronic Attack Weapons School (EAWS) and Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, (CVWP) judged the proficiency of both Aviation Electronics Technicians (AT) and Aviation Ordnancemen (AO) while performing the process of prepping and loading an aircraft for typical combat load configuration.

The CWTPI is the first of two phases towards the completion of the squadron’s Safe for Flight certification. Phase two will be a Maintenance Program Assist (MPA), conducted by CVWP, checking the administrative and operational proficiency of VAQ-141’s maintenance programs.

“This is just a testament of the hard work the AT’s, AO’s and Maintenance Department of VAQ-141 puts forth on a daily basis,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Chief John Dunbar, senior AO in the squadron. 

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