By Staff
special to The Star
Oct. 26, 2002
A Naval aviator designation ceremony was held Friday, at 3:30 p.m., in the chapel at Naval Air Station Meridian.
The Naval aviator designation ceremony is not required by regulations, but has emerged as a U.S. Navy tradition.
It marks the culmination of nearly two years of specialized training, which has prepared these officers for the aerial combat and carrier operations earning each the title of "Naval aviator" and the right to wear the coveted "Wings of Gold."
The guest speaker was be Capt. Mark Needler, commander of Training Air Wing 1.
Five U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots, one Spanish navy pilot and two Brazilian navy pilots got their wings.
The class carrier-qualified Sept. 29 in the T-45C "Goshawk" on board the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and earned Navy "E for Excellence" designations for bombing accuracy during Advanced Strike Training.
Lt. Jesus Fernandez, Spanish navy;
Lt. j.g. Hercules De Lima, Brazilian navy;
Lt. j.g. Marcus Maccario, USNR, who earned one Navy "E" designation;
Lt. j.g. Andrew Mariner, USNR, who earned three Navy "E" designations;
Lt. j.g. Moroney, USNR, who earned one Navy "E" designation and was named "Best at the Boat";
1st Lt. Andrew Simmons, USMCR, who earned one Navy "E" designation;
Lt. j.g. Romulo Sobral, Brazilian navy, who earned one Navy "E" designation; and
1st Lt. Richard Thompson, USMCR, who earned one Navy "E" designation. He was named to the Commodore's List during Primary Flight Training and was Student of the Month for March 2001.