KINGSVILLE, Texas - A 2012 Independence High School graduate and Bakersfield, California, native is participating in a rigorous training process that transforms officers into U.S. naval aviators.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Finley |
Lt. j.g. Tyler Valencia is a student pilot with the “Golden Eagles” of Training Squadron (VT) 22, based in Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. The squadron flies T-45C Goshawk aircraft.
A Navy student pilot is responsible for studying and learning how to fly aircraft to execute missions both effectively and efficiently for the fleet.
“The best part of learning to fly, is the point where you feel comfortable and confident in the aircraft to take it out solo and execute your event,” Valencia said.
Valencia credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Bakersfield.
“Growing up I was involved in a lot of activities, from sports to community service, and it helped me develop a good work ethic and a desire to give back to the community,” Valencia said.
The T-45C Goshawk is a tandem-seat, jet trainer aircraft powered by a twin-spool non-afterburn turbofan engine with 5,527 pounds of thrust and airspeed of 645 mph.
VT-22’s primary mission is to train future naval aviators to fly as well as instill leadership and officer values, Navy officials explained. Students must complete many phases of flight training in order to graduate, including aviation pre-flight indoctrination, primary flight training, and advanced flight training. After successfully completing the rigorous program, naval aviators earn their coveted “Wings of Gold.”
After graduation, pilots continue their training to learn how to fly a specific aircraft, such as the Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet fighter attack jet aircraft or the F-35 Lightning joint strike fighter jet. They are later assigned to a ship or land-based squadron.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Valencia plays an important role in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Valencia is most proud of being chosen as team captain for the trap and skeet team at the U.S. Naval Academy during his senior year.
“I was selected by my fellow teammates and coaches to represent the team, and their support and trust meant a lot,” Valencia said.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Valencia, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Valencia is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and my stepfather served in the Air Force as well,” Valencia said. “It makes me feel proud to have the opportunity to serve just as they did."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Valencia and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I am very proud to serve in the Navy," Valencia said. "It offers adventure, challenges, camaraderie and a fulfilling career."
A Navy student pilot is responsible for studying and learning how to fly aircraft to execute missions both effectively and efficiently for the fleet.
“The best part of learning to fly, is the point where you feel comfortable and confident in the aircraft to take it out solo and execute your event,” Valencia said.
Valencia credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Bakersfield.
“Growing up I was involved in a lot of activities, from sports to community service, and it helped me develop a good work ethic and a desire to give back to the community,” Valencia said.
The T-45C Goshawk is a tandem-seat, jet trainer aircraft powered by a twin-spool non-afterburn turbofan engine with 5,527 pounds of thrust and airspeed of 645 mph.
VT-22’s primary mission is to train future naval aviators to fly as well as instill leadership and officer values, Navy officials explained. Students must complete many phases of flight training in order to graduate, including aviation pre-flight indoctrination, primary flight training, and advanced flight training. After successfully completing the rigorous program, naval aviators earn their coveted “Wings of Gold.”
After graduation, pilots continue their training to learn how to fly a specific aircraft, such as the Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet fighter attack jet aircraft or the F-35 Lightning joint strike fighter jet. They are later assigned to a ship or land-based squadron.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Valencia plays an important role in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Valencia is most proud of being chosen as team captain for the trap and skeet team at the U.S. Naval Academy during his senior year.
“I was selected by my fellow teammates and coaches to represent the team, and their support and trust meant a lot,” Valencia said.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Valencia, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Valencia is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and my stepfather served in the Air Force as well,” Valencia said. “It makes me feel proud to have the opportunity to serve just as they did."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Valencia and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I am very proud to serve in the Navy," Valencia said. "It offers adventure, challenges, camaraderie and a fulfilling career."