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Student Naval Aviators Takeoff for Carrier Qualifications

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101104-18
11/4/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cassatt, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Navy pilots from Training Air Wing One (TRAWING-1) and Training Air Wing Two (TRAWING-2) launched from Naval Base Coronado (NBC) Nov. 4 to conduct flight deck qualifications aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) off the coast of San Diego.

The training of TRAWING-1 and TRAWING-2 at NBC marks the first time the full cadre of aircraft (39 jets in total) have been at the base at the same time.

"This is a large number of students for us," said Lt. Becky "Charlie" Murphy, Training Squadron Twenty-One's (VT-21) assistant officer in charge and flight instructor. "We typically have around 25-30 students, but this time we have nearly 40. It means more jets, more instructors, and Nimitz has to be here longer to accommodate the qualifications."

TRAWING-1 and TRAWING-2 are currently training for the Chief of Naval Training (CNATRA) carrier qualification under the guidance of Training Squadron Seven (VT-7) "Eagles," Training Squadron Nine (VT-9) "Tigers," Training Squadron Twenty-Two (VT-22) "Golden Eagles," and VT-21 "Redhawks."

The CNATRA carrier qualification, which provides instruction on carrier aviation to student Naval aviators, involves safely completing four touch-and-goes and ten arrested landings aboard a carrier at sea. Upon qualification, students become "tailhookers" and earn their golden wings.

"The instructors lead the students out the ship," said Lt. Stephen "Scuba" Moore, CNATRA assistant officer in charge and flight instructor. "We do the navigation and communications for the students. We set the students up and drop them off, and from there they are on their own."

In addition to the Navy and Marine Corps, there are two French and one Indian student naval aviators in TRAWING-1 and TRAWING-2 looking to get their carrier qualifications.

Prior to qualifying aboard the carrier, TRAWING-1 and TRAWING-2 pilots conducted field carrier landing practice exercises at both NBC and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

The student aviators in TRAWING-1 and TRAWING-2 are the next addition to the proud tradition of Naval aviation, celebrating its centennial in 2011. The Centennial of Naval Aviation, which will be commemorated through air shows, flyovers, festivals, open houses and other events, officially kicks off at NBC Feb. 9-12, 2011.