NAS Meridian builds relationship with CAFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Hill
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  Inter-service relationships are always important and helpful when in the military. Columbus AFB and Naval Air Station Meridian expanded on this logic Friday when Navy Capt. Russell Knight, paid a visit to CAFB. 

Capt. Knight, the commander at NAS Meridian, toured the base to compare and contrast the flying program of the two bases. 

The flying program at Meridian is similar to that of the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals of the 49th Fighter Training Squadron at CAFB. The main difference of the program is that the Navy pilots go through their program before they get their pilot wings, where as the CAFB pilots train in this program after receiving their silver wings.
When asked about the programs the captain said, "As far as what we do, they are very similar. It is basic fighter maneuvers; it is just the basics to get the pilots familiar with it before they move onto their primary aircraft." 

The pilot training of the Air Force and Navy mirror each other in many ways. Pilots are trained using instruments in both services. Navy pilots are trained to land on a carrier, which increases difficulties as the landing is a moving target. 

"It's good to get out and see how other bases are run, as well as how other service bases are run. I was interested to see what we could learn from the Air Force and maybe we can provide some services for them as well," said Knight. 

Knight was able to take part in a T-38 simulator, tour the 49th FTS and see many of the other amenities located at CAFB. Although he was unable to take part in a flight during his visit, the captain said he has flown approximately 130 hours in the T-38 Talon. 

"The navy flies the T-38 at their test pilot school," said Knight. "I have time in the old model. This is the first time I have seen the glass cockpit. It is kind of neat to see that airplane with a HUD. I flew the simulator today, and it is neat to see the improvements they have made in the aircraft." 

After an action filled day the captain said he plans on sending more sailors up to see the base and he hopes to expand the relationship between the NAS Meridian and CAFB in the future. 

"You will be seeing more of us around here," said Knight