Hayes stresses readiness to new SUPT graduates

Published Oct. 30, 2015
By Airman 1st Class John Day
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Col. Jerome Hayes, the Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Division Chief, Air Force Senate Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, spoke to Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 16-01 during their graduation ceremony here Oct. 23.

Hayes began by thanking all in attendance for playing their part in Producing Pilots.

“Thank you for taking time to be here with us today,” Hayes said. “This is your mission, your product. You should be proud to share in the accomplishment of graduating this class.”

He then spoke about the era of the Air force he served in and how it differs from the one class 16-01 will serve in.

“The Air Force you are serving in is not the Air Force you will be serving in 20 years from now,” Hayes said. “We are flying 5th generation fighters. We are flying drones half a world away with deadly accuracy.”

The colonel stressed readiness is key to a successful response to any threat. He recounted a story where just two days before Thanksgiving, he was called away for a mandatory assignment to return to active duty for two years.

“Will you be ready?” Hayes questioned. “That is my question for you today. The Air Force is going to ask some of you to be fighter pilots, First Assignment Instructor Pilots, reaper pilots and you need to be ready.”

Hayes also mentioned preparedness goes hand-in-hand with readiness.

“You need to prepare,” Hayes said. “To be an effective leader, you need to learn the tactics, procedures, techniques and how to employ your weapon system, but it doesn’t end there. Be ready to upgrade to aircraft commander, instructor pilot, evaluator pilot, mission commander, director of operations or a squadron commander.”

He then explained leadership and development of skill is paramount to not only your job as a pilot, but to your entire career.

“You all are officers as well as pilots,” Hayes said. “Today we are celebrating your pilot accomplishments but you are commissioned as an officer, not a pilot. And officers lead.”

Hayes ended his speech by once again thanking and congratulating the graduating class for their achievement of such an important milestone in their lives.

“As you go forth, be ready to embrace the changes on the horizon,” Hayes said. “Congratulations again to class 16-01. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.”