Robstown, Texas native is supports 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 2002 Robstown High School graduate and Robstown, Texas native is supporting the training of U.S. Navy officers into Navy pilots.

 Jennifer Castillo is the Commanding and Executive Officer's Secretary with the “Wise Owls” Training Squadron (VT-31), based in Corpus, Christi, Texas, that operates the T-44A Pegasus aircraft. As a secretary, Castillo is responsible for providing administrative support and performing numerous duties, including scheduling, writing correspondence, emailing, handling visitors, routing callers, and answering questions and requests.

“This job requires me to keep matters concerning this command private and I am honored that they trust me and have confidence to do my job and do it well. It is a very satisfying and fulfilling job," said Castillo. 

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

“I really enjoy meeting new people and there are always so many different types of people that come through,” said Castillo. “I also enjoy learning about what it takes for the students that come through here to become pilots.”

 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!"

Supporting the Navy, Castillo is learning about being a more responsible leader and person through handling numerous responsibilities. 

“The Navy has allowed me to be around so many different types of people and have the opportunity to accept everyone and love them like family,” said Castillo.