By Mass
Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) – A 2010 East Longmeadow High School
graduate and East Longmeadow, Massachusetts native is participating in
the lengthy and rigorous training process that transforms U.S. Navy officers
into Navy pilots.
Lt. j. g. Nathan Byam-Mooney 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, Byam-Mooney is
responsible for learning the safe operation of aircraft and and being responsible for the overall safety of his crew
while ensuring they complete the mission.
“I enjoy being able to be in the air and experience sights
that most people don't get to,” said Byam-Mooney.
The T-44A is a twin-engine,
pressurized, fixed-wing monoplane used for advanced turboprop radar aircraft
training using two 550 shaft horse-powered 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, Byam-Mooney said he and other VT-31 sailors are
proud to be part of a war-fighting team that readily defends America at all
times.
“The overall friendliness of the instructors here is phenomenal,”
said Byam-Mooney. “I know they have our best interest at heart and they
encourage the great camaraderie that we have here.”
Jobs are highly varied at VT-31, according to Navy officials.
Approximately 69 men and women officers
and 15 civilian employees 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, Byam-Mooney is learning about being a
more responsible leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
“The Navy has taught me the responsibility to be more accountable for
my actions,” said Byam-Mooney. “Everything I do on the job and in my personal
life, heavily influences my career and others in my crew.”