PACAF Commander gives graduation speech, pins son's wings.

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Gen. Gary North, Commander of the Pacific Air Forces spoke during the graduation ceremony for Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 10-12 at the Kaye Auditorium on Columbus Air Force Base July 23.

Twenty one of the Air Force's newest pilots received their wings during the graduation, including General North's own son, 2nd Lt. Kent North, who will be a first assignment instructor pilot at Columbus AFB.

During the speech General North reminded the graduates of how selective the Air Force is in choosing pilots. He informed them that the 12,000 plus U.S. Air Force aviators in the world is less than six tenths of a thousandth of a percent of the U.S. population.

"That is how select each one of you is in our business, and so that is very important, as you step off the stage today with your wings on that you remember where you came from and how you got here," General North said.

General North spoke about the hard work Class 10-12 had done to reach this achievement and gain the honor of wearing silver wings.

"You have, in the words of our Air Force Creed, accepted our nations calling, and you are here to ensure freedom and that freedom does not come without a cost," said General North. "We have scores of aviators who have performed marvelously in our business. Some of them have given some, some of them have given all. It is very important to remember that we are the most professional and the safest air force in the world, but it is a dangerous business that we do, and you must be on your game at all times."

General North also mentioned the professionalism and skill brought by the Columbus AFB BLAZE Team to bring lieutenants across the finish line, and how that relates to the rest of the Air Force.

"Remember that as you step to your aircraft, thousands of people are behind you and never forget to learn about each one of them and their mission, and certainly never forget to thank for them what they do to get you airborne," General North said. He later told the class to "remember you're an Airman first, you're an officer second, you're a pilot third, and you are always a joint warrior."

General North went on to impart some advice on Class 10-12 as they begin their journey. First he said to make sure to receive clear commands, guidance and intent from their commanders and to understand how to execute it. Second he told them never to confuse enthusiasm with capability because their lives depend on it. He went on to tell the class to make sure that those who walk and fly with them are accountable, because a pilot is only as good as his formation. His final pieces of advice for Class 10-12 were to go after what happened today and learn how to do it better tomorrow, as well as focusing on teamwork and taking care of people.

General North also had advice for Class 11-12 as they prepare to begin their training: "This year will set the rest of your Air Force career, the platforms your fly, the relationships that you form because when you step out as 10-12 steps out today you will never have another opportunity to do nothing but study and learn about how to do our business with 100 percent total intensity."

After the speech, awards were given, and silver wings were received. Lieutenant North had his father's wings pinned onto his uniform by General North and his mother Shelley North. General North said he comes from a long military family and that he could not be prouder that his son has elected to serve this country.