KINGSVILLE, Texas - A 2006 Wilson High School graduate and Reading, Pennsylvania 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. Steven Schneck 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, in order to become a tactical, mission capable pilot for the Navy.
“I am always challenging myself,” Schneck said. “Each day is a new challenge and I enjoy learning new things.”
Schneck credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Reading.
“My hometown is diverse and my high school is known for success in both sports and education,” Schneck said. “That setting gave me a mentality where I feel I can achieve anything.”
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.
Schneck 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, Schneck is most proud of earning the Navy Battle Efficiency award with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 in 2018.
“It is the perfect example of coming together as a team to accomplish the mission,” Schneck said.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Schneck, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Schneck is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and my brother and sister both served in the military,” Schneck said. “We are proud to continue his history of service.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Schneck 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 means honoring my grandfather,” Schneck said. “I also get to enjoy my job and provide an honorable service.”
A Navy student pilot is responsible for learning how to fly, in order to become a tactical, mission capable pilot for the Navy.
“I am always challenging myself,” Schneck said. “Each day is a new challenge and I enjoy learning new things.”
Schneck credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Reading.
“My hometown is diverse and my high school is known for success in both sports and education,” Schneck said. “That setting gave me a mentality where I feel I can achieve anything.”
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.
Schneck 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, Schneck is most proud of earning the Navy Battle Efficiency award with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 in 2018.
“It is the perfect example of coming together as a team to accomplish the mission,” Schneck said.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Schneck, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Schneck is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and my brother and sister both served in the military,” Schneck said. “We are proud to continue his history of service.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Schneck 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 means honoring my grandfather,” Schneck said. “I also get to enjoy my job and provide an honorable service.”