By Mass
Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jamal McNeill,
Navy Office of
Community Outreach
(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) – A 1994 Fairfield High School
graduate and Fairfield, Connecticut native is playing a key role in the lengthy
and rigorous training process that transforms U.S. Navy officers into Navy
pilots.
Lt. Cmdr. John Daly is an instructor pilot with the “Wise
Owls” Training Squadron (VT-31), based in Corpus, Christi, Texas, that operates
the T-44A Pegasus aircraft. As an instructor, Daly is responsible for
training student pilots on the procedures and obligations on becoming a Naval
Aviator and Officer.
“I get enjoyment out of seeing the students succeed,” said
Daly. “Seeing a junior officer pin on their wings gives me a sense of
fulfillment, knowing I had a hand in their training and development.”
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, Daly said he and other VT-31 sailors are proud to be
part of a war-fighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“I love the people I work with,” said Daly. “Everyone gets
along really well, the relaxed atmosphere promotes a great work, training and
learning environment for both pilots and instructors.”
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, Daly is learning about being a more
responsible leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
“The Navy has instilled in me integrity and taking
responsibility for my actions,” said Daly. “Additionally, it's given me a sense of pride and honor wearing the Navy uniform and doing what we do everyday.”