Kalispell, Mont. native is training the next generation of U.S. Navy pilots

By Mass Communication Specialist 3^rd Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach

(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) – A 2005 Flathead High School graduate and Kalispell, Montana native is playing a key role in the lengthy and rigorous training process that transforms U.S. Navy officers into Navy pilots.

 Lt. Jeff Bartels 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, Bartels is responsible for training student aviators on professional, personal and aviation skills so they can be successful Naval Officers in the fleet.

“Being able to see student pilots reach the milestone of pinning on their wings and knowing I had a hand in their training is very rewarding,” said Bartels. “Also, being able to fly everyday is a plus.”

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, Bartels said he and other VT-31 sailors are proud to be part of a war-fighting team that readily defends America at all times.

“This squadron values time outside of work,” said Bartels. “We are able to train hard while maximizing the time we get to spend with our loved ones.”

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, Bartels is learning about being a more responsible leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities. 

“The Navy has given me the opportunity to display the pide in serving my country, while upholding the prestige and personal responsibilities that comes with being a Naval Officer all while fulfilling a childhood dream of flying,” said Bartels.