KINGSVILLE, Texas - A 2013 Southwest Secondary Learning Center graduate and Sandia Park, New Mexico, 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 Zachary Smith is a student pilot with the “Redhawks” of Training Squadron (VT) 21, based in Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. The squadron flies T-45C Goshawk aircraft.
A Navy student pilot is responsible for learning and mastering the aircraft systems needed to become a successful naval aviator.
“I love having the opportunity to fly aircraft and conduct missions that are incredibly unique and fun,” Smith said.
Smith credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Sandia Park.
“I was taught if you always work hard and put forth the effort, opportunities will definitely come your way,” Smith 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-21’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.
Smith 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, Smith is most proud of being placed on the commodore's list in primary flight training for being in the top 10 percent of graduates.
“I worked hard in primary flight training to give myself the best chance to fly jets, and it all paid off with this special recognition,” Smith said.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Smith, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Smith is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My father was a staff sergeant in the Air Force and I have other family members who served in the military as well,” Smith said. “I’m proud to carry on the family name serving our country.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Smith 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 being a part of an elite team of like-minded people all working together for one purpose,” Smith said. “I wouldn't want any other job in the world.”
A Navy student pilot is responsible for learning and mastering the aircraft systems needed to become a successful naval aviator.
“I love having the opportunity to fly aircraft and conduct missions that are incredibly unique and fun,” Smith said.
Smith credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Sandia Park.
“I was taught if you always work hard and put forth the effort, opportunities will definitely come your way,” Smith 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-21’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.
Smith 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, Smith is most proud of being placed on the commodore's list in primary flight training for being in the top 10 percent of graduates.
“I worked hard in primary flight training to give myself the best chance to fly jets, and it all paid off with this special recognition,” Smith said.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Smith, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Smith is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My father was a staff sergeant in the Air Force and I have other family members who served in the military as well,” Smith said. “I’m proud to carry on the family name serving our country.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Smith 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 being a part of an elite team of like-minded people all working together for one purpose,” Smith said. “I wouldn't want any other job in the world.”