Rose Inspires Class 15-02

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 57th Adversary Tactics Group Commander inspired new aviators and other Airmen present during Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 15-02's Graduation Nov. 21 at the Kaye Auditorium.

Col. Gary Rose, from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, spoke about the joy of flying he has experienced throughout his career, which the new aviators will experience.

"Your worst day in a jet will always beat your best day behind a desk," Rose said. "You are each going to your own jets; congratulations. Be very proud of what you have achieved as a class."

Rose continued to speak on how flying was not just his profession but his passion, and what the silver wings mean to him.

"My passion is also my profession," Rose said. "I imagine many of you in the front two rows here [graduates] feel exactly the same way. In the past 21 years I have realized that Air Force wings symbolize more than the right to fly in the world's greatest Air Force. Your Air Force wings set you on a path to lead our Air Force, and our most precious resource, our Airmen."

Rose explained how much he has learned, about himself and about Airmen, over the years as a pilot.

"To those of whom much is given, much is expected," Rose said. "Life as an Air Force pilot is in-fact a leadership laboratory, an experiment in leadership where you will learn as much about yourself as you will about the people around you."

Teamwork was Rose's next topic of conversation. He explained how in combat you see the need for everyone to depend on and trust one another.

"The No. 1 lesson is always teamwork," Rose said. "It comes more into light when you are in an environment where people are shooting at you, and you have to depend on everybody around you. You put a tremendous amount of trust into everyone; in combat you see that all together. You work under the harshest conditions in the most hostile environment, and you just have a tremendous amount of dedication and cooperation to each other."

Rose concluded his speech by speaking about Columbus AFB's mission and the local community.

"What the 14th Flying Training Wing is doing is inspiring," Rose said. "You're training a great generation of Americans. My hat is off to you, you're doing an incredible job. I also had an opportunity to go downtown and it has just been a great visit. I appreciate the hospitality and the warm welcome I have received."