By Staff
Special to The Star
July 13, 2001
A Naval aviator designation ceremony will be held today at 3:30 p.m. in the chapel at the Naval Air Station Meridian.
The "winging" ceremony is not required by regulations, but has emerged as part of U.S. Navy tradition.
It marks the culmination of nearly two years of specialized training, which has prepared these officers for the demands of 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 will be Col. Jeffrey White, USMC, Commanding Officer of the Marine Aviation Training Support Group, NAS Pensacola.
Four U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots will receive wings of gold. All carrier qualified in the T-45C "Goshawk."
1st Lt. George Bancroft II of Oxford, N.Y.;
1st Lt. Greg Morrison of Albuquerque, N.M.;
Lt. j.g. Andrew Hoekstra of Odgen, Utah; and
Ensign John Roberts of Oklahoma City