By Staff
Special to The Star
Jan. 25, 2002
Twelve U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots will receive "Wings of Gold" in a 3:30 p.m. ceremony today in the chapel at Naval Air Station Meridian.
The naval aviator designation ceremony is not prescribed specifically by U.S. Navy regulations, but has emerged as an honored product of the rich heritage of naval tradition.
It marks the culmination of nearly two years of specialized training, which has prepared the officers for the rigorous 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 Capt. Mark Needler, commander, Training Air Wing One.
The 12 pilots qualified in the T-45C Goshawk. The include the following:
Ensign Bradley Converse of Shepherd, Mich.
Lt. j.g. Patrick Corrigan of Miller Place, N.Y.
1st. Lt. John Dixon of Madisonville, Ky.
1st. Lt. Jimmy Forbes, of Lubbock, Texas
Lt. j.g. William Hagan III of Flower Mound, Texas.
Lt. j.g. Royce Hood III of Deland, Fla.
1st. Lt. Trent Kingery of Forest City, N.C.
Lt. j.g. Jeffrey Latham of Atlanta
Lt. j.g. Robert Myers of Casper, Wyo.
Lt. j.g. David Picinich of Palisades Park, N.J.
1st. Lt. Charles Rounds III of Topsfield, Mass.
Lt. j.g. Douglas Watters Jr. of Friendsville, Tenn.