KADENA AIR BASE OKINAWA, Japan -- Pilots of Strike Fighter Squadron 94, Mighty Shrikes, executed and completed an aerial generator plant scenario during exercise Habu Fire II here Aug. 30.
Habu Fire II is a joint-training exercise where VFA-94, Marine All- Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 and 18th Fighter Wing work together performing and improving efficiency in air-to-air operations.
VFA-94 Pilots perform different scenarios based on training and qualifications they need to acquire.
“Some of our pilots are working toward their division lead qualification,” said Navy Lt. Thomas J. Young, VFA-94 officer in charge of the Kadena detachment. “In order to do that, there are several flights they have to complete.”
Once pilots complete those flights and obtain their division lead qualification, they will be able to lead up to three other aircraft.
“We were doing a day self-escort strike,” said Young. “What that means is, you fight your way in to a target, you drop your bomb, and you fight your way out.”
This flight is just one of the several needed to complete the qualifications. Whether it is for qualification or sustainment, you learn something on every flight you go on. Each flight has new things to learn and different pilots to learn from, said Young.
The exercises performed while on deployment allows the pilots the opportunity to used live ordnance.
“During exercises like these, we go up and we fight ourselves,” said Chief Robert M. Montez, VFA-94 maintenance chief. “It enhances the training of the aircrew and also pushes the limits of the aircraft a little.”
These flight operations prepare pilots for situations they may not be used to.
The ranges that are here give the pilots more flexibility with the training they are able to perform, said Montes.
Deployments like these help the Mighty Shrikes enhance their skills and keep the unit mission ready.
“Being deployed helps things run smoother,” said Montes. “There are fewer distractions while deployed than back home. It helps us to come closer and use each other as support.”
The Mighty Shrikes have had to make many adaptations while on deployment compared to being home.
“Our junior troops have stepped up,” said Montes. “They have stepped out of their comfort zone and have been broadening their skills, learning other jobs besides their own.”
Being deployed and in a new location has had an impact on the unit.
“We work faster out here than we do back home,” said Airman Sara C. Walden, VFA-94 aviation ordnance technician. “We upload, download, arm and disarm bombs.”
The workload the squadron is faced with here has the personnel working long hours.
Without the explosives the ordnance technicians maintain, load and inspect, aircraft would not be able to help troops on the ground, said Walden.