Five Prowlers from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 returned to Whidbey Island, April 4-5, after a two week detachment to Naval Air Field (NAF) El Centro, Calif. 

The detachment was necessary to maintain the production of qualified EA-6B aviators during the Whidbey Island winter and early spring.  The production detachment covered the last week of March and the first week of April.

NAF El Centro continues to be the primary detachment location for VAQ-129.  The desert climate, airspace, and facilities of NAF El Centro allow VAQ-129 to maximize training opportunities during the foggy and misty winter and spring months at Whidbey Island.  This detachment was no exception, with zero flights cancelled due to weather.  Great weather along with exceptional maintenance permitted 394 flight hours during 222 sorties which allowed the Vikings to complete 200 syllabus events throughout the two week detachment. 

The Vikings aren’t the only aviation squadron that recognizes the benefits of production detachments and El Centro’s good weather.  Along with the Vikings’ detachment, NAF El Centro was being used by a Training Wing and an F/A-18 squadron.  The airfield also provided Field Carrier Landing Practice for multiple types of aircraft to include C-2s, F/A-18s, and T-45s.