Vice Adm. DeWolfe Miller III, commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF), hosted the first Junior Officer Career Training Symposium (JOCTS) at the Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) Island Club, Feb. 20-21.

This JOCTS gave an opportunity for naval aviation’s top leaders to hear the concerns of junior aviators across all communities and to address individual and organization discipline, professional standards, and overall readiness with naval aviation’s future leaders. 

“When you look at our tribes within naval aviation, our future looks very bright,” Miller told the assembled aviators. “Our readiness isn’t yet where it needs to be, but we are making great strides. As we progress, I want you to tell us how we are doing and how we are not doing.”

Miller, known as the Navy’s “Air Boss,” was joined by Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL) Rear Adm. Roy Kelley and Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve (CNAFR) Rear Adm. Scott Jones. Discussions between the junior officers and naval aviation’s top leaders touched on naval aviation’s safety culture, the readiness of equipment, people and training, family quality of life, and retention.

C-2A Greyhound pilot Lt. Joe Swindel, of the “Greyhawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 said, “It’s nice that Air Boss has taken interest in the issues that we have addressed and that we, as O-3s, are now included in the discussions that are now circling back.”

Swindel added that he was pleased that topics discussed during the Tailhook Symposium in September 2018 were already being addressed by naval aviation leadership. Swindel also mentioned that he was delighted to see the amount of attention going into the Navy’s new professional flight instructor (PFI) program.

In addition, F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot Lt. Peggy Dente, with the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 explained to her fellow aviators how her squadron, selected as the pilot for unit-level reforms under the Navy Sustainment System (NSS), was experiencing improved aircraft mission-capable rates due to maintenance efficiencies.   

Overall, the JOCTS provided a forum and opportunity for junior and senior leaders in naval aviation to exchange ideas leading to a more lethal and ready warfighting team.

“This is why we are here, and I underline one word, opportunity,” said Miller. “This is an opportunity for us learn from each other and an opportunity for us to improve and take naval aviation where we think it needs to go. So that ultimately, we can fight and win when our nation’s forces are called upon, at any level, because we’re ready.”

Miller told the junior officers that he would provide their feedback to all of the Navy’s aviation flag officers at the Aviation Flag Officer Training Symposium (AVFOTS) in May.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil/, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy/, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy/.