Patrol Squadron One recently completed its Aviation Maintenance Inspection (AMI) and passed with flying colors. The Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (COMPATRECONWING) Ten inspection team conducted the inspection from Sept. 8 to 14.

The final consensus was, “The Screaming Eagles safety climate and individual attitude towards safety was positive,” reaffirming that the maintenance department is fully prepared to support all operational requirements. As VP-1 prepares to step out the door for a six-month deployment, they do so with the knowledge that its maintenance department is ready to answer the call to duty.

Patron One’s successful results in the AMI were in part due to an outstanding effort put forth by the quality assurance division, headed by Chief Warrant Officer Rick Williams and Senior Chief Petty Officer Richard Martinez, in conducting preparatory audits to ensure that the squadron’s programs were where they needed to be.

The AMI, headed by COMPATRECONWING Ten Maintenance Officer Lt.Cmdr. Brian Kleven, utilized the Aviation Maintenance Management Team (AMMT) methodology of incorporating three vital areas of scrutiny. First, the inspection included a complete analysis of the department’s level of effectiveness and efficiency in supporting squadron operational requirements. This portion of the inspection paid particular attention to the maintenance data reports, monthly maintenance plans, monthly training reports, and the squadron’s performance during standard maintenance practices.

The second area included the verification of safe operations by conducting several drills and practical examinations and the third area of the AMMT methodology focused on the squadron’s compliance with all governing instructions and publications.

A complete evaluation of all applicable directives was performed to assess completion of all required documentation and training. This evaluation examined 42 naval aviation maintenance programs and determined none to be “off track”.

These results reflected the Screaming Eagles high level of preparedness for the AMI and its quality of work. The inspection evaluation team’s summary stated, “The Screaming Eagles display of teamwork and confidence demonstrated the high level of competence and proficiency required to handle day-to-day tasking in naval aviation”.

Outstanding individual efforts to note include that of Aviation Administrationman Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Piehe, who was specifically cited by the inspectors as having done an exemplary job in his work on the department’s technical publications library. During the inspection preparation, Piehe also assisted with the organization and accountability of the maintenance training and administration workcenters.

Another individual who stood out is Aviation Structural Mechanic Petty Officer 1st Class James Clark and his work with the hydraulic contamination control, tire and wheel maintenance safety and plane captain qualification programs.

Clark is currently a member of VP-1’s quality assurance division and spent countless hours working to monitor and improve these and other programs.

Other program managers and personnel specifically cited by the inspection team as deserving of special merit included AZ2 Jennifer Franco, AZ2 Troney Murrell, AM1 Roxanne Ford, Storekeeper Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Kuykendall and Aviation Electronics Technician Petty Officer 1st Class Koche Alio.