A First For Reservists
Naval Reserve
instructor pilots are setting the example for the next generation
of naval aviators. The instructors are part of Squadron Augment
Unit (SAU) 9, the Reserve component of Training Squadron (VT) 9,
one of two training squadrons that operate from Naval Air Station
(NAS) Meridian (MS), as part of Training Wing (TW) 1. VT-9 has come
to Key West (FL) to teach Navy and Marine Corps student pilots
formation flying and gunnery techniques. This detachment represents
the first time Reservists have been in charge of a training
mission.
SAU-9 and their active-duty counterparts are demonstrating the
model for Reserve integration. Of the 21 instructor pilots in Key
West from VT-9, 13 are Reservists serving with SAU-9. The
detachment commanding officer and the officer in charge (OIC) are
both drilling Reservists. All the scheduling and logistics required
to get the detachment off the ground were coordinated by either
SAU-9's drilling Reservists or full time support officers. The
remaining eight instructor pilots are active duty, serving with
VT-9.
With the Navy’s emphasis on Reserve integration as a
backdrop, the SAU-9 leadership role is a natural step. Most of the
drilling Reservists in the unit have been instructors at Meridian
for five or more years, many for more than 10. In their civilian
careers, most fly as commercial airline pilots, giving them
extensive experience in the air.
"Our experience cuts
the time for labor in half," said Lt. Cmdr. Neyland Springer, the
detachment OIC. "Everybody knows what they're doing, and how and
when to do it. We don't do this full time, so for us to be
successful, we have to do a really good job of coordinating and
communicating. Our experience makes that easier for us to
handle."
Springer is typical of the pilots of SAU-9. He completed his
last active duty tour at NAS Meridian as an instructor. Upon
leaving active duty, he then began his career in the Reserves as an
instructor pilot at Meridian. All told, he has served as an
instructor for more than 10 years, including his tours while on
active duty.
"I like teaching students," he said. "It feels good taking all
the experience you've had as a pilot and passing it on to the next
generation. Seeing our people perform as well as they have,”
he said, “is a testament not only to the individual flyers,
but also to every instructor that they've flown with. It's nice to
be a link, even a small one, in that chain."