Third-generation of Vance-trained pilots graduates with Class 11-06

  • Published
  • By Joe B. Wiles
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs Office
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  When 2nd Lt. David Brown received his pilot wings March 11, he joined a three-generation legacy of pilots trained at Vance AFB.

A member of Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 11-06, Lieutenant Brown's wings were pinned on by his father, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Tim Brown. Colonel Brown graduated September 1977 in Vance's Class 77-08.

"We are so proud of our son and his accomplishment," said Colonel Brown. "You get a sense of heritage and honor being part of the long blue line."

Although not present for his grandson's graduation, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Finlayson also learned to fly at Vance, earning his wings in 1950. Colonel Finlayson initially flew the C-124 Globemaster II, a heavy-lift cargo aircraft. He later flew the C-141 Starlifter, also a cargo aircraft.

Colonel Brown flew fighter aircraft, first the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-16 Falcon.

Lieutenant Brown will follow in his grandfather's footsteps, learning to fly a cargo aircraft, the C-130 Hercules. After upgrade training at Little Rock AFB, Ark., he will take an assignment to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.

In addition to Air Force pilots, Lieutenant Brown's military legacy includes an uncle who flew F-4s, F-18 Hornets and F-14 Tomcats for the U.S. Navy, and his mother, Jem Brown, who served as an Air Force nurse.

Lieutenant Brown and his father both attended the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., graduating in 2009 and 1976. They were both assigned to the 25th Cadet Squadron, the Red Eyes.

"Just seeing everyone flying in my family, I've always been interested, and the Academy presented a great opportunity," said Lieutenant Brown. His original intention was to fly fighter aircraft like his father, but he had a bout with air sickness in the T-6 Texas II primary trainer aircraft. "I decided to go the heavy route and the C-130s really interested me," he said.

From Gig Harbor, Wash., Lieutenant Brown is engaged to marry Natalie Thomas, a local Enid girl whose grandfather is retired Air Force.