NASK student pilots complete T-45 training, earn Wings

, Local News
Eight students graduated from Training Air Wing Two earning
their “Wings of Gold” after completing the T-45 training syllabus,
recently.
Friends and families made the trip to NAS Kingsville to
congratulate the Navy’s newest naval aviators comprised of six
Navy and two Marine officers. Many of their friends and family
members participated in the ceremony by presenting the new pilots
with their traditional aviator designation pin.
Capt. Richard Rivera, Commodore of Training Air Wing Two,
noted the accomplishment while speaking to personnel from the
wing.
“It takes a team to accomplish the mission, and in this case, all
hands came together and did what the Navy-Marine Corps team
does: made it happen,” Rivera said. “It was a long journey, but in the
end we are turning out pilots without sacrificing quality or safety.”
The aviators who graduated will go on to fly specific type
aircraft at several Navy Fleet Replacement Squadrons on the East
and West Coasts.
As students have returned to strike training after the T-45
reconfiguration, the goal for the Naval Air Training Command
is to keep all aviators, both students and instructors, on track for
their next career milestones while meeting mission requirements.
Since his arrival in June, Rear Adm. Jay Bynum, Chief of
Naval Air Training, has concentrated on trust and open lines of
communication.
“I know that for you to do your jobs you need confidence in
your aircraft, in your training, and in your leadership,” Bynum said
to the students and instructor pilots of TW2 during a recent visit. “My pledge to you is to
always tell you the truth and that you will know what I know when it comes to your training.
And I need you to tell me what you are thinking and feeling, as well.”
CNATRA remains focused on continued T-45 training in a measured manner by using
the newly configured aircraft.
“We are very proud of this group today,” said Bynum. “Students need to keep studying
and preparing because more training flights and graduation dates are coming.” For more
information about the Chief of Naval Air Training, visit http://www.cnatra.navy.mil/.

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