by Ricky Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) – A 1989
Taft High School graduate and Taft, Texas
native is supporting the training of U.S. Navy officers into Navy pilots.
Mrs. Jill Brelsford is a government employee serving as a logs and records clerk with the “Wise Owls” Training Squadron (VT-31), based in
Corpus, Christi, Texas, that operates the T-44A Pegasus aircraft. As a logs and
records clerk, Brelsford is responsible for all
of the naval flight records as well as efficiently up keeping the log books for naval aviators, student and
instructor pilots.
“I get a sense of pride helping the naval aviators complete
the certificates and training qualifications needed to continue to fly and
complete all missions and operations at this command both effectively and
efficiently,” said Brelsford.
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, Brelsford said
she and other government employees are
proud to be part of a war fighting team that readily defends America at all
times.
“It's a great squadron to work
for because there is a tight-knit family atmosphere here, it has an excellent
command climate which overall promotes a cohesive team,” said Brelsford. “I am
also a people person and enjoy interacting with both my fellow co-workers and the
military personnel here because of the great camaraderie that is shared amongst everyone.
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!"
At VT-31, Brelsford is
learning about being a more responsible leader, and person through handling
numerous responsibilities.
“Working with the Navy and other
department of defense personnel has instilled in me more attention to detail, a
stronger work ethic and a sense of pride serving our military members,”
said Brelsford.