Air Force chief of staff keynote speaker at pilot graduation

Published Jan. 30, 2009
By Joe B. Wiles
71st Flying Training Wing

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- "The American people place a very special trust in those of us who wear the uniform."

That was the message Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz delivered to the student pilot Class 09-04, at their graduation ceremony Jan. 23, at Vance AFB, Okla.

"You must deliver the kind of performance that earns and keeps that special trust, as warriors and guardians of the national defense," the general told the 17 Airmen, a naval officer and one allied international officer receiving their wings at the ceremony.

General Schwartz's speech reminded the student 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 realistic 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," said General Schwartz. "And also the endurance and support of the families which help each of you reach the finish line."

Vance is the U.S. 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," the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, Col. Chris Nowland, said earlier in 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."

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.

After his speech, General Schwartz personally congratulated each student as they received their diplomas and pilot wings.

The graduation was the capstone event for General Schwartz and his wife, Suzie. They also met with local government and business leaders and were able to see some of the facilities at the Oklahoma base.

General Schwartz had breakfast with 30 Vance Airmen representing a cross-section of the base in rank and career field. Mrs. Schwartz attended a breakfast with senior leader spouses and members of the Officers' Spouses Club and the Enlisted Spouses Group.