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Naval Training Leader Stresses Importance of U.S. Air Power

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080515-04
Release Date: 5/15/2008 6:17:00 AM

By Joy Samsel, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Gary Jones, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), addressed the Order of the Daedalians annual convention, during a luncheon at the National Naval Aviation Museum aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, May 13.

The organization is a military pilots order, formed after World War I, to memorialize the 14,000 rated military pilots as of Armistice Day, November 11 1918. A national organization, there are more than 100 flights (chapters) within the U.S., containing members from all the U.S. military services.

"The Daedalians are among our strongest proponents for a strong and capable military aviation force to serve this nation," said Jones. "You who have served in uniform, or what I like to call this 'cloth of our nation', have firsthand knowledge of the importance of air power to sustaining freedom. You stood the watch, preserving liberty and keeping our shores safe."

Jones recounted some of the historical moments in military aviation, including Navy Lt. Cmdr. Henry Mustin making the first catapult launch from a ship, flying off the stern of the USS North Carolina in Pensacola Bay, as well as Army Col. Jimmy Doolittle's bombing raid on Japan during World War II,

"Whether we wear Navy or Air Force blue, or Army or Marine Corps green, military aviation's achievements stand out clearly as the product of a concerted effort by highly trained pilots, skilled engineers, dedicated scientists and a loyal body of specialist in the officer and enlisted ranks," Jones said.

While most may see the U.S. military as a formidable fighting force, Jones told the audience that it is also an "instrument of peace".

"Just this last November, Tropical Cyclone Sidr ravaged the Southern coast of Bangladesh, killing more than 3,000 people and leaving many thousands of others without the basics of food, water and shelter," explained Jones. "The Navy-Marine Corps Team aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and USS Tarawa (LHA 1) delivered more than 200,000 pounds of relief supplies, as well as airlifting patients for medical treatment. The operation tempo was staggering with heavy and medium-lift helicopters from Tarawa alone flying more than 29 sorties in just 43 hours. These 'angels from the sea' airlifted in food, water, medical supplies and relief workers, and they airlifted out the injured to receive medical treatment on Navy ships.

"A similar operation is poised for yet another humanitarian 'assault,' this time in Burma. That nation was hit by a powerful cyclone almost two weeks ago. A flotilla of U.S. Navy vessels, rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, U.S. Air Force planes and thousands of servicemembers are ready to assist Burma's cyclone-stricken people, if asked."

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit at www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.