Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 Earns 2014 Battle 'E' and Golden Wrench Award

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS150318-09
Release Date: 3/18/2015 10:22:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Porter, Patrol Squadron 9 Public Affairs

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (NNS) -- Members of the 'Golden Eagles' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 were recognized for two significant awards for their superior performance this past year, the Navy Battle 'E' award and the AVCM Donald M. Neal Aircraft Maintenance Award, known as the 'Golden Wrench' award.

'Two very prestigious awards for all of VP-9's dedication and hard work is absolutely well deserved,' said Capt. Steve Newlund, commodore of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 2. 'Each and every one of you played a role in accomplishing something special, the same squadron winning both the Battle 'E' and Golden Wrench.'

The Battle 'E' is awarded annually to ships and units that display the maximum condition of readiness in their group, and for their capability to perform their wartime responsibilities. Squadrons are graded in areas such as operational efficiency, readiness achievements, aircraft material readiness, training, schedule and cost performance, to name just a few.

The Golden Eagles achieved a 100% mission completion rate during a seven-month deployment, completing 430 operational sorties and executing 5,008 flight hours. Additionally, they participated in exercises Noble Dina, BALTOPS 2014 and Phoenix Express.

The 'Golden Wrench' award was established in 1965 by the chief of naval operations and sponsored by Lockheed Martin to acknowledge maintenance performance that goes above and beyond the extraordinary effort that aircraft maintenance requires. The Golden Wrench is presented annually to a VP squadron in the categories of Atlantic, Pacific and Special Projects.

VP-9's maintenance professionals achieved an impressive 38 of 40 maintenance programs graded 'On Track' and achieved a flawless record for all drills, highlighting their 'By the Book' approach to the maintenance program.

Commander, Patrol Reconnaissance Group Rear Adm. Matthew J. Carter praised the squadron's performance via naval message, writing 'VP-9's ability to continuously meet superior aircraft standards were unmatched through a demanding SIXTH Fleet deployment. The Golden Eagle's professional maintenance department set the standard for aircraft readiness across the VP Navy with outstanding performance throughout the year.'

Cmdr. Katrina Hill, commanding officer of VP-9, said there is no secret to the squadron's success.

'We earned the Battle 'E' and the Golden Wrench by excelling as a team,' said Hill. 'VP-9 Sailors are satisfied with nothing less than the highest professional standards. Our Sailors care about their jobs, train their replacements on a daily basis and treat others with respect. Every Golden Eagle matters to our mission, (which is) deploying safe and effective combat ready aircrews and aircraft around the world.'