On this site you can expect to find information about naval aviation, naval aircraft, naval squadrons, how to become a navy pilot, the career path of a naval aviator and the Navy's demonstration squadrons.
Author: Evan Goss
About Myself:
I have been interested in Naval Aviation ever since I was young; around ten years old. Top Gun did have an influence, but it was not just the movie that made me want to peruse this career path. I have always been interested in the military and always wanted to join the Navy. I just never knew exactly what I wanted to do until I was about ten and decided that being a pilot would be pretty cool.
In 2006 I joined the USNSCC (U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps) which is a Navy program set up for youths to get a taste of what military, and specifically Navy life, is like. Through this program I was able to attend many summer trainings that immersed me in the military lifestyle for weeks at a time. I have participated in trainings with Navy Seals, EOD and Divers as well as seaman ship training on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier out in the Pacific ocean for eight days.
However, by far my favorite and most cherished experiences were the ones I received from attending Advanced Airman trainings through the country. I have attending airman trainings at NS Norfolk, VA, NAS Whidbey Island, WA and NAS Lemoore, CA. These trainings have opened my eyes and given me a taste of what the real thing is like; and I loved every minute of these trainings. These experiences have assured me that my chosen career path in the right one for me.
During these trainings I have flown an F/A-18F simulator, P-3 Simulator, flown in multiple helicopters, worked closely with enlisted on aircraft and procedures, as well as sat in cockpits of aircraft. The zenith of these trainings took place during the summer after my senior year of high school at NAS Lemoore. I had been training on the launch procedures for the F/A-18E/F so that I could be a plane captain for a real launch. Plane captains prep the aircraft and use hand signals to assist the pilot in the start up and after start up checks and procedures. They also are in charge of the safety of everyone around the aircraft. I spent most of my free time practicing the hand signals and the order everything was suppose to follow.
I got my chance during the last week of the training. I was tasked with launching a F/A-18F Super Hornet. It was exhilarating, and being that close to a turning (engines running) jet is adrenaline pumping. I had a blast, and the launch went very well, considering the pilot was a bit unsure about being in the hands of a 18 year old sea cadet vs. an 19 year old Navy trained airman. Although, I had trained Naval personnel following my every move to ensure everything was going as it should, and also in case a real emergency arose. I have included the link to the YouTube video of my launch below; as well as links to 2 other YouTube videos I have made documenting my experiences.
I am currently a student at Norwich University in VY perusing my dream. I am in NROTC and have completed my ASTB with good results. I am now waiting to hear back from the Navy to see if I will be able to commission after college.
The following are some pictures, taken by myself ,of my Sea Cadet training experiences with Naval Aviation.
I have been interested in Naval Aviation ever since I was young; around ten years old. Top Gun did have an influence, but it was not just the movie that made me want to peruse this career path. I have always been interested in the military and always wanted to join the Navy. I just never knew exactly what I wanted to do until I was about ten and decided that being a pilot would be pretty cool.
In 2006 I joined the USNSCC (U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps) which is a Navy program set up for youths to get a taste of what military, and specifically Navy life, is like. Through this program I was able to attend many summer trainings that immersed me in the military lifestyle for weeks at a time. I have participated in trainings with Navy Seals, EOD and Divers as well as seaman ship training on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier out in the Pacific ocean for eight days.
However, by far my favorite and most cherished experiences were the ones I received from attending Advanced Airman trainings through the country. I have attending airman trainings at NS Norfolk, VA, NAS Whidbey Island, WA and NAS Lemoore, CA. These trainings have opened my eyes and given me a taste of what the real thing is like; and I loved every minute of these trainings. These experiences have assured me that my chosen career path in the right one for me.
During these trainings I have flown an F/A-18F simulator, P-3 Simulator, flown in multiple helicopters, worked closely with enlisted on aircraft and procedures, as well as sat in cockpits of aircraft. The zenith of these trainings took place during the summer after my senior year of high school at NAS Lemoore. I had been training on the launch procedures for the F/A-18E/F so that I could be a plane captain for a real launch. Plane captains prep the aircraft and use hand signals to assist the pilot in the start up and after start up checks and procedures. They also are in charge of the safety of everyone around the aircraft. I spent most of my free time practicing the hand signals and the order everything was suppose to follow.
I got my chance during the last week of the training. I was tasked with launching a F/A-18F Super Hornet. It was exhilarating, and being that close to a turning (engines running) jet is adrenaline pumping. I had a blast, and the launch went very well, considering the pilot was a bit unsure about being in the hands of a 18 year old sea cadet vs. an 19 year old Navy trained airman. Although, I had trained Naval personnel following my every move to ensure everything was going as it should, and also in case a real emergency arose. I have included the link to the YouTube video of my launch below; as well as links to 2 other YouTube videos I have made documenting my experiences.
I am currently a student at Norwich University in VY perusing my dream. I am in NROTC and have completed my ASTB with good results. I am now waiting to hear back from the Navy to see if I will be able to commission after college.
The following are some pictures, taken by myself ,of my Sea Cadet training experiences with Naval Aviation.