KINGSVILLE, Texas - A 2013 Trinity Valley School graduate and Fort Worth, Texas, 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 |
Ensign Chatwin Mabry Jackson IV 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 learning how to fly aircraft in order to become a tactical, mission capable pilot for the Navy.
“Beyond flying, the people I meet and work with every day is the most enjoyable aspect of my job,” Jackson said.
Jackson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Fort Worth.
“My high school stressed integrity, value and hard work,” Jackson said. “These are all very translatable traits to be successful in the Navy.”
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.
Jackson 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, Jackson is most proud of the progress he has made towards becoming a pilot and earning his wings.
“They are the same ‘Wings of Gold’ the Navy has used since naval aviation began,” Jackson said. “It is an honor to carry on this legacy and walk in their footsteps.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Jackson, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Jackson IV is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather was a naval aviator in WWII,” Jackson said. “He was a key reason I pursued this career path.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Jackson IV and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is an opportunity to get job satisfaction and fulfillment that I couldn’t get any where else,” Jackson said. “I am proud to wear the uniform and serve my country.”
A Navy student pilot is responsible for learning how to fly aircraft in order to become a tactical, mission capable pilot for the Navy.
“Beyond flying, the people I meet and work with every day is the most enjoyable aspect of my job,” Jackson said.
Jackson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Fort Worth.
“My high school stressed integrity, value and hard work,” Jackson said. “These are all very translatable traits to be successful in the Navy.”
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.
Jackson 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, Jackson is most proud of the progress he has made towards becoming a pilot and earning his wings.
“They are the same ‘Wings of Gold’ the Navy has used since naval aviation began,” Jackson said. “It is an honor to carry on this legacy and walk in their footsteps.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Jackson, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Jackson IV is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather was a naval aviator in WWII,” Jackson said. “He was a key reason I pursued this career path.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Jackson IV and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is an opportunity to get job satisfaction and fulfillment that I couldn’t get any where else,” Jackson said. “I am proud to wear the uniform and serve my country.”