Nearly two years ago, the US Navy began the "Flying Chief Warrant Officer" program to supplement the current officer aviation force by placing qualified CWOs in the cockpit as pilots and naval flight officers (NFOs), and just recently two of the initial applicants received their "wings of gold."

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dale Courtney of Richmond, Va., and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Adam Rittierodt of Kent, Wash., were among the first to take advantage of the opportunity and received their wings during a ceremony, Dec. 20th.

Courtney and Rittierodt were selected in 2006, commissioned and then reported to Pensacola, Fla., along with the other NFO selectees to begin their primary flight training. According to Rittierodt, training began with Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination where the warrant officers learned about aviation physiology. The six-week course develops a foundation of aviation knowledge that challenges students both physically and mentally.

"We were then sent to our primary squadrons," said Rittierodt. "We attended ground school and conducted basic contact flights, which means we actually put our hands on the controls. Then we attended instrument ground school, which is where we learned to use the controls in the back of the plane."

Prior to joining the program, Rittierodt already had previous aviation experience as an enlisted aircrewman. Courtney however, began with an entirely different background, as well as eco-level.

"I was initially a navigation electronics technician aboard submarines," said Courtney. "I've always had a fascination for aviation and I've always wanted to become an officer, so this opportunity gave me the chance to do both."

Courtney said his ultimate goal is to qualify as a TACCO, aboard the P-3. "That's the guy that runs the show in the back of the P-3," he explained. Both Courtney and Rittierodt gave their best recommendations to anyone thinking of applying for the Flying Chief Warrant Officer program.

"Definitely do it," said Rittierodt. "There isn't much more to say!"

Courtney had a warning for those who are considering the program, "don't procrastinate - putting a package together is a lengthy process."

According to both officers, aside from the general requirements, good study and time management skills are a must for those wishing to get their flight wings. Along with Courtney and Rittierodt, VP-30's Commanding Officer, Capt. Rich T. Fite awarded NFO wings to Lt. 2nd Grade Patrick Leisner and Lt. 2nd Grade Christian Hegemann, both of the German Navy.

"It is my honor to welcome each of you to the world's most elite fraternity," said Cozad as he addressed the new NFOs. This was Cozad's first time participating in a wing pinning ceremony. During his speech he reflected on his own pinning ceremony several years ago.

"Every time I put this uniform on, the part I'm most proud of is what rests above my ribbons," he said, pointing to his own wings of gold.

"I'm sure today's ceremony will start a similar lifetime of pride for you all."

The next selection board for the active-duty Flying Chief Warrant Officer Program will be held in the summer of 2008. [ANN salutes Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rebecca Kruck, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Southeast]

FMI: www.navy.mil/local/nasjax