CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 2013 De La Salle High School graduate and Dublin, California, native is participating in a rigorous training process that transforms officers into U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators.
Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Justin Pagila is a student pilot with the “Rangers” of Training Squadron (VT) 28, based in Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. The squadron flies the T-6B Texan II aircraft.
A student pilot is responsible for learning how to fly military aircraft and become an efficient aviator to successfully execute missions and operations both effectively and efficiently.
“I love the constant challenges and opportunities that are presented on an everyday basis,” Pagila said. “It’s both thrilling and exhilarating to fly at high speeds and maneuver through the clouds.”
Pagila credits success in the military to many of the lessons learned growing up in Dublin.
“My dad taught me there is always someone better than you so be humble and learn from them,” Pagila said.
The T-6B Texan II is a training aircraft that is powered by a 1,100 shaft horsepower, free-turbine, turboprop single-engine, four-bladed propeller, with a cruising speed of 320 mph.
VT-28’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 four 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, the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. They are later assigned to a ship or land-based squadron.
A key element of the Navy and Marine Corps 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.
Pagila 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 military service members to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Pagila is most proud of being on the Commandant’s list in the first initial training phase for Marine Corps officers. He was in the top five percent of his class.
“It reassured me that I have the aptitude to lead Marines,” Pagila said.
Serving in the military is a continuing tradition of service for Pagila, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Pagila is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Navy as a maintenance chief,” Pagila said. “It means a lot to give back to my country that has given so much to me.”
As a member of one of the Marine Corps’ most relied-upon assets, Pagila and other military service members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
“Being an aviator is an honor because it provides me with the opportunity to support military service members fighting on the ground,” Pagila said.
A student pilot is responsible for learning how to fly military aircraft and become an efficient aviator to successfully execute missions and operations both effectively and efficiently.
“I love the constant challenges and opportunities that are presented on an everyday basis,” Pagila said. “It’s both thrilling and exhilarating to fly at high speeds and maneuver through the clouds.”
Pagila credits success in the military to many of the lessons learned growing up in Dublin.
“My dad taught me there is always someone better than you so be humble and learn from them,” Pagila said.
The T-6B Texan II is a training aircraft that is powered by a 1,100 shaft horsepower, free-turbine, turboprop single-engine, four-bladed propeller, with a cruising speed of 320 mph.
VT-28’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 four 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, the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. They are later assigned to a ship or land-based squadron.
A key element of the Navy and Marine Corps 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.
Pagila 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 military service members to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Pagila is most proud of being on the Commandant’s list in the first initial training phase for Marine Corps officers. He was in the top five percent of his class.
“It reassured me that I have the aptitude to lead Marines,” Pagila said.
Serving in the military is a continuing tradition of service for Pagila, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Pagila is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Navy as a maintenance chief,” Pagila said. “It means a lot to give back to my country that has given so much to me.”
As a member of one of the Marine Corps’ most relied-upon assets, Pagila and other military service members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
“Being an aviator is an honor because it provides me with the opportunity to support military service members fighting on the ground,” Pagila said.