Naval Air Forces commander talks aviation readiness

Commander, Naval Air Forces, Vice Adm. DeWolfe H. Miller III, paid a visit to student pilots and instructors from Training Air Wings Two and Four on July 12 and 13.

The purpose of the visit by Miller, or “Air Boss” as he is often called, was to discuss the importance of aviation readiness and to provide an opportunity for students and instructors alike to voice questions or concerns.

Miller told student and instructor pilots in attendance that their time spent within the Naval Air Training Command plays a critical role in developing the Navy’s greater fighting force.

“To quote Secretary of Defense, James Mathis, ‘the surest way to prevent war is to be prepared to win one,’” said Miller. “So what does that mean for you? Right now, you are establishing habit patterns that you will use when you go to war. That means when you step into the aircraft, when that canopy comes down, you fence in like you’re going to battle every single time.”

To anchor on the CNAF mission of training and equipping aviation forces that are ready to win in combat from day one, Miller told a story from his tour as commander of Carrier Strike Group Two. In 2014, when the CSG was on station in the Arabian Gulf, it was a young, new-to-the-job aviator who was tasked with bringing the fight to a new enemy.

“Back in September 2014, there was this group called ISIS coming down,” said Miller. “A junior officer who had never dropped a bomb dropped the very first weapon on target, on time, alone. That’s the team you’re a part of – a team that is ready on day one.”

Having such high standards for young officers and aviators not only involves providing the best training available, but it also involves serving with integrity and instilling discipline early on in the training process.

“We must have discipline in everything that we do and we need to hold ourselves and each other accountable,” said Miller. “There are people watching you and looking up to you every single day throughout this business. They will learn from you. Your actions and words with your Sailors will affect them because of the positive influence you will have.”

Miller left pilots with a final message: as the Navy looks to improve in the near future, aviators will become even more lethal. Platform by platform, naval aviation is becoming more talented, stealthier, more networked, and sustainable. Ultimately, bringing more capability for the Navy, he said.

“Remember, we are lethal military professionals,” said Miller. “We excel in the air and make a difference in the world. We fly, flight, lead, and win in combat always.”