Deale inspires new AF aviators

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Brigadier Gen. Thomas Deale, Air Command and Staff College Commandant and Spaatz Center for Officer Education Vice Commander, spoke at Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 14-12's graduation July 25 at the Kaye auditorium. Deale began his speech by talking about the mission of the Air Force and how the new pilots fit into that role.

"The mission of the Air Force is to fly, fight and win," said Deale. "You are now at the heart of that mission. When the call comes; you need to be ready. You have relied on your instructors and flown solo a few times. From now on others will rely upon you. You need to know your mission inside and out and how you contribute to the overall fight."

Deale spoke on how it felt to return to a pilot base similar to where his career began.

"It is reinvigorating, I don't usually get the opportunity to mingle with our young pilots and second lieutenants going through training," said Deale. "To see all of these young officers takes me back 26 years when I was one of them. It is an exciting time for them, for the wing and for our Air Force. It was great to be a part of today's ceremony."
Deale continued to speak on how the pilots don't know where their careers will take them.

"When I first became a pilot I did not know where I was going to be in two years; none of us could," said Deale. "As I look at you young pilots sitting in the front rows I cannot predict where you will be in two years. The world is an uneasy place, and I have no doubt that your talents will be called upon."

Deale shared with the students his own personal combat stories, and what got him through challenges he faced while flying.

"We are all training to be calm, cool and collected while flying in combat, but I can tell you in the heat of the moment you will get pretty excited," said Deale. "When the going gets tough you will fall back on your training, all the different procedures and flying hours you have been through will help you. When the call comes be ready; because you are going to be the difference between mission success or mission failure. You are going to be the difference between life or death."

Lastly, Deale explained how much he enjoyed coming to Columbus AFB for the graduation.

"I think Columbus is a fantastic base," said Deale. "It has got everything you need. It is one of our smaller installations but its impact across the Air Force is huge. The sense of pride I got when I came through the gate and the reception I got from the defenders there was outstanding. Seeing the future made here at Columbus AFB, both on the officer and enlisted side, I know we are going to be in good hands."