by Ricky Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) – A 2006
North Forsyth High School graduate and 2010 Toccoa Falls College graduate native from Atlanta, Georgia is participating
in a rigorous training process that transforms U.S. Navy officers into Navy
pilots.
Ensign Samuel Hamilton,
is a student pilot with the “Wise
Owls” Training Squadron (VT-31), based in Corpus, Christi, Texas, that operates
the T-44A Pegasus aircraft. As a student,
Hamilton is responsible for proficiency in naval aircraft, personal development and
overall safety of his aircrew.
“I love flying contingent
multi-engine aircraft and the teamwork that I share amongst my fellow pilots,”
said Hamilton. “Building camaraderie with other students and aviators is
imperative in completing various flight missions and operations both
effectively and efficiently.”
The T-44A is a twin-engine,
pressurized, fixed-wing monoplane used for advanced turboprop radar aircraft
training using two 550 shaft horsepowered engines, with a cruising
airspeed of 281 mph.
VT-31’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 strike fighter
jet, the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter.
They are later assigned to a ship or land-based squadron.
Many of the pilots will fly aircraft which take off from and
land aboard aircraft carriers, a unique capability which allows the Navy to
operate anywhere on the world’s oceans. Recently, Navy attack aircraft
operating from aircraft carriers sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and
from Middle East waters have launched hundreds of strike missions against
terrorist targets in Iraq and Syria.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s squadrons with the
newest aircraft platforms, Hamilton said he and other VT-31 sailors are proud to be part
of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“VT-31 is excellent in
providing structure for aviators to strive on both a professional and personal
level,” said Hamilton.
Jobs are highly varied at VT-31, according to Navy officials.
Approximately 69 men and women officers
and 15 civilian personnel make up and keep all parts of the squadron running
smoothly -- this includes everything from maintaining airframes and engines, to
processing paperwork, handling weaponry, and flying the aircraft.
“Every day I feel an extraordinary amount of
pride to serve alongside our great Nation’s most inspiring men and women,” said
Cmdr. Samuel D. Gage, commanding officer of VT-31. “Our team is filled with
hardworking and highly qualified professionals who hold uncommon levels of
responsibility and accountability in support of our mission: to maintain, fly,
and train future naval aviators. Their work ethic, commitment, enthusiasm, and
esprit de corps are second to none!"
Serving in the Navy, Hamilton
is learning about being a more responsible leader, Sailor and person through
handling numerous responsibilities.
“The Navy has not only given
me a greater sense of pride and respect for those who have served but working
for personal growth and development has instilled a greater sense of confidence
needed to be a successful naval aviator,” said Hamilton.