May 28, 2010 PRESS RELEASE #: 2010011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VFA Skipper Emphasizes Importance of Education at ‘Skyhook’

Story by John Engstrom, Naval Air Forces Diversity Team

PINE BLUFFS, Ark.— The commanding officer ofa Navy fighter squadron participated in the 14th Annual Operation Skyhookduring Memorial Day weekend – an event aimed at introducing youths to careers in aviation.

Commander Stan “Spider” Jones, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, the “Rough Raiders,” based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., arrived to Skyhook in an F/A-18 Hornet before speaking to more than 200 students and parents on the benefits of a career in Naval Aviation.

“Young kids get influenced in a number of ways, by a number of people,” said Jones. “It sounds simplistic, but sometimes it’s the first influence that makes the most important and lasting impact. So, arriving to Skyhook in my F/A-18 and explaining to these kids that I had zero flight experience before joining the Navy, shows them that they can accomplish everything I’ve accomplished and more.”

Sponsored by the Black Pilots of America – a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging aviation-related job opportunities for under-privileged youth – Operation Skyhook is the organization’s largest annual event. In the past 14 years, Skyhook has attracted thousands of potential aviators, provided education, training, and helped encourage aviation careers to a key recruiting demographic by emphasizing the importance of education.

“I never intended to become an aviator while in college and finished with a degree in engineering,” said Jones.“I worked as an engineer for a while before my neighbor at the time - who was a pilot - took me to a flight simulator. When it was over, I remember saying ‘I can’t believe you get paid to do that.’ That’s when I decided to become and aviator. I couldn’t have made that decision if I hadn’t had my degree. That was my message to the kids at Skyhook. I decided to pursue and education, and because of that choice, I was afforded the opportunity to become a Naval Aviator. So many things start with that one choice.”

Jones’ participation at Operation Skyhook was part of Naval Aviation’s outreach efforts to support recruiting in diverse communities. The visit gave students from a diverse, cultural area a better understanding of what they have to gain by considering a future in a military that strives to equally represent the communities it serves.

“I’m proud that the Navy has supported BPA more than the other services,” said Jones. “It’s important for youths to see people that look like them, doing what the Navy does. It helps bring into reality their potential and what they can achieve. The Navy makes an effort and has people in place to work diversity issues, but we as service members have to be about it … not just talk about it.”

-CNAF-