Chief of staff keynoter at Vance pilot graduation

  • Published
  • By Joe B. Wiles
  • 71st Flying Training Wing
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) --  Student pilot Class 09-04 here had a special visitor at their graduation ceremony Jan. 23.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz attended the ceremony and presented the keynote address.

"The American people place a very special trust in those of us who wear the uniform," the general told the 17 Airmen, one naval officer and one allied officer receiving their wings at the ceremony. "You must deliver the kind of performance that earns and keeps that special trust, as warriors and guardians of the national defense

During the speech, General Schwartz reminded the new pilots to be grateful for the support of their families and teammates, "and some of the finest trainers and instructors in the business."

During their 54 weeks of pilot training, students attend 600 hours of graduate-level academics, 90 hours of flight simulators and 200 hours of flight time.

"For everyone who has successfully completed this course, we understand the rigors, the hard work, the stress and emotions that lead to this great day," General Schwartz said. "And also the endurance and support of the families which help each of you reach the finish line."

Vance AFB is the Air Force's only Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training base. More than 30,000 pilots have graduated from Vance since it began operations in 1941. 

"Our mission is simple," said Col. Chris Nowland, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, during the ceremony. "We prepare the world's finest men and women to be military pilots."

General Schwartz gave the students a current example of the potential they represent.

"Whether it is in the military uniform, flying a mission in combat... or perhaps a few decades later wearing an airline uniform, returning 155 passengers safely home after a harrowing and heroic splash landing," he said.
 
US Airways Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who landed disabled Flight 1549 in New York's Hudson River Jan. 15, with no loss of life, was an Air Force Academy classmate of General Schwartz.

"Never underestimate the power of your service, or the moral force of your devotion to duty," he concluded.

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