Naval Pilots

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Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on December 9, 2011 at 10:38am

Naval Aviation: Forging a Legacy of Success

December 9th, 2011 posted by aguerry

The following blog post was written by Vice Adm. Allen Myers, Commander, U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command. Holding the awesome responsibility of leading a naval aviation community that operates and maintains more than 3,700 aircraft, Myers reflects on the past year of celebrating 100 years of rich aviation history and looks forward to its promising future.

Vice Admiral Allen Myers

As 2011 draws to a close, I am extremely proud that our centennial year has been a celebration of the innovation, courage and teamwork that are the hallmark of Naval Aviation. From the spectacular kick-off in February at Naval Air Station North Island, to major regional and local celebrations across the country and around the globe. We have honored our heritage, celebrated our success and set a positive glide slope for the future.

Last week, I had the honor of speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington D.C., honoring those who wear the cloth of our nation and share a passion for flight, as well as those who have served in Naval Aviation throughout the last 100 years, whose initiative, vision and sacrifice brought us the successes we enjoy today, forging our legacy with every flight.

For the past 100 years Naval Aviation has proven beyond a doubt that what was initially thought to be a useful reconnaissance capability is now a critical element of our power projection and national security. Naval Aviation has expanded and enhanced the areas our ships can influence from simple line of sight at the crow’s nest to a radius that increased with each technological advance. From biplanes and monoplanes to turboprops and jets, Naval Aviation has been at the forefront of change and technology, extending that area of influence all the way into the bounds of space.

Each of these advances was made possible by the people who are at the heart of our success – the dedicated aviators, aircrew, engineers, and technicians – the incredible team of Navy and Marine, active, reserve and civilian personnel who ARE Naval Aviation.

They go where their nation asks and they conduct their assigned missions with professionalism and great success. They are forward, ready and flexible as they operate from the sea base. During this centennial year seven of our aircraft carriers have been deployed, from USS Enterprise (CVN 65) who celebrates 50 years of service this year, to our newest carrier on her maiden deployment, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). Our carriers with their air wings have provided more than a third of the close air support for our service members and coalition partners on the ground in Afghanistan. They have countered piracy and provided reliable presence to support our Allies and influence regional actors, and made history for their contributions in fighting global terrorism, especially USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

They have also been a force for good providing relief and humanitarian assistance, perhaps none more noted than USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). A first responder to the terrible trifecta of earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima Daichi disaster, Reagan demonstrated perfectly the immeasurable value of forward presence and agility, and provided critical relief – more than 200 tons of food, water and other supplies – to our friends in Japan through Operation Tomodachi.

Naval Aviation is a ready, forward force that operates from the sea base and from expeditionary bases around the world. Our rotary wing gives us the reach and flexibility to reclaim pirated vessels, conduct maritime intercept operations, and deliver humanitarian aid. Our helicopters in Kuwait have reliably supported the Naval Air Ambulance Detachment mission and conducted critical medical evacuation and relief for the injured. The “Scorpions” of VAQ-132 completed the first expeditionary EA-18 “Growler” deployment earlier this year that included supporting the NATO mission over Libya. At the same time, our maritime patrol community, which flies the venerable P-3 Orion, gives us the edge for sea control with their persistent eyes on station over maritime chokepoints, as well as over the sands of the Middle East.

So, where do we go from here?  As Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said at the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Gala last week, “Even as we adapt to a changing strategic environment, and as we enter a period of fiscal constraint … Naval Aviation will continue to play a vital role in the nation’s defense.”

As we look to the future, Naval Aviation remains focused on warfighting, ready always to operate forward, and we will maintain this focus as we prepare to implement our planned transitions, including the MH-60R/S, P-8 Poseidon, EA-18 Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, Joint Strike Fighter and the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier now under construction. Ford will bring online the new electro-magnetic aircraft launch system and advanced arresting gear, and by 2018, our carrier flight decks will be home to a family of unmanned systems currently in development.

Although our legacy is built on these technological advances, it has been endowed by the dedicated men and women who ARE Naval Aviation: the aviators, aircrew, engineers, and technicians – the incredible team of Navy and Marine, active, reserve and civilian personnel. They have forged a legacy of success, and I am humbled by these men and women who have a vision for the art of the possible and a drive to discover the unknown.  For a century they have been the backbone of Naval Aviation’s achievements, and they will continue to set our glide slope for success in the next century and beyond.

Fight to Fly!  Fly to Fight!  Fight to Win!

Comment by Cecil Walker on October 23, 2011 at 12:44pm

Thanks Jim

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Jim on October 23, 2011 at 10:22am

Cecil, I'm not exactly sure where to tell you to look, but start with this link. If nothing else it gives you a phone number to call the personnel command in TN. 

Click here.

Comment by Cecil Walker on October 23, 2011 at 8:27am

I hope I'm in the correct place to ask this question. If not, please direct me. My son will be attending A school in Mississippi after his PIR this Friday. He enlisted with an associates degree and a commercial pilots license. His rating is AZ. His recruiter told him that this was where he needed to be to eventually reach his goal of flying for the Navy. He was told he has to get his bachelors degree first. But, we have recently heard from other Navy personnel that he does NOT have to get his bachelors to fly helicopters. Can anyone clarify that? Or give some insight as to what he may need to do to reach that goal from this point? Thanks for the help.

Comment by E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin on August 1, 2010 at 8:51pm

Awesome Interview!

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on August 1, 2010 at 8:37pm

a cute story for a change of pace:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Comment by Chris B. on August 1, 2010 at 8:42am

The new Hawkeye

Comment by Cora on April 13, 2010 at 7:58am

From Chief of Naval Air Training Public Affairs

ELLIJAY, Ga (NNS) -- A T-39N Sabreliner crashed near Ellijay, Ga., at approximately 4 p.m. April 12. There were four personnel aboard the aircraft assigned to Training Air Wing Six based out of Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.

Rescue crews have recovered three bodies from the crash. The status of the fourth crew member is unknown.

The aircraft was conducting a routine cross-country training mission.

An investigation board has convened to investigate the cause of the mishap.

Names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

For more news from Chief of Naval Air Training visit www.navy.mil/local/cnatra.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on March 17, 2010 at 8:26pm

when they say "a remote area East of Fallon" they mean it....there is NOTHING east of Fallon for a loooong way except desert...well...you do have the phone booth and the sand dunes where lots play. It is a boing, but if you like high Nevada desert, pretty drive on highway 50------the loneliest road in America!

Comment by Cora on March 17, 2010 at 6:32am

NAVAL AIR STATION FALLON, Nev. (NNS) -- Two single seat, F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, were involved in a mid-air collision at approximately 10 p.m. March 15 while on a routine training mission flying in the Fallon Range Training Complex. Neither pilot was injured.

Both aircraft are assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One Three Seven (VFA 137) based at NAS Lemoore, Calif.

One pilot safely landed his aircraft with reported damage at 10:13 p.m. at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon. The other aircraft crashed in a remote area east of NAS Fallon. The pilot ejected safely and was recovered near the crash site at 11:20 p.m. by the NAS Fallon "Longhorns" Search and Rescue team, which flew a SH-60F Seahawk helicopter to the site. The pilot was transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation and has since been released.

The cause of the mishap is under investigation.

For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/airpac/.

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