CNO aviation safety award to VT-9

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday recognized excellence in aviation safety among seven Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) squadrons as part of the 2019 CNO Aviation Safety Awards program. The seven CNATRA squadrons named in the April 14 CNO message are the “Tigers” of Training Squadron (VT) 9 at NAS Meridian, Miss.; the “Doerbirds” of Training Squadron (VT) 2 and “Vigilant Eagles of Helicopter Training squadron HT-18 at NAS Whiting Field; “Fighting Redhawks” of VT-21 at NAS Kingsville, Texas; “Boomers” of VT-27 and the “Stringrays” of VT-35 at Corpus Christi, Texas; and the “Sabrehawks” of VT-86 at NAS Pensacola, Fla. VT-9, VT-21, and VT-2 accomplished more than 15,000 flight hours in 2019; VT-2, the oldest training squadron, reached 22 years of mishap-free primary flight training. HT-18 completed more than 22,000 flight hours giving them a 5-year mishap-free record and earned “Fleet Best Practice” from the Navy Safety Center for their Operational Risk Management techniques. VT-27 accomplished more than 16,000 flight hours and implemented a checklist for human factors screening. VT-35 conducted more than 12,500 mishap-free flight hours and highlights individuals who identify and solve safety issues with a quarterly “Safety Pro” award. VT-86 continues a robust safety program with implementation of the Aviation Safety Awareness Program (ASAP), which requires aircrew to submit safety observations after every flight. These seven squadrons conduct primary, intermediate, and advanced phases of flight training. They are responsible for undergraduate flight training of all Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviators in addition to selected international military partners. CNO’s Aviation Safety Awards program recognizes squadrons that have maintained Class A, B, and C mishap-free safety records throughout the fiscal year and that have made significant contributions to the Naval Aviation Safety Program. The program honors award recipients with a plaque and the Safety “S” marking on their aircraft, signifying exceptional professionalism in daily operations and a focus on safety. (Source: CNATRA 04/14/20) https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368565/7-chief-naval-air-training-squadrons-earn-2019-cno-aviation-safety-awards.