Modeled On Successful Army Warrant Officer Program

Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class Robert Reyes, along with 13 other Sailors Navywide, received his CWO bars as part of the Flying Chief Warrant Officer Pilot program this month. Ten pilots and four naval flight officers (NFO) were selected for the 2006 trial run of the program, and 10 pilots and six NFOs will be chosen in 2007.

The program allows enlisted Sailors the opportunity to fly in patrol squadrons, helicopter sea combat squadrons and helicopter anti-submarine squadrons light. Applicants must have an associates degree or higher, they must be commissioned before their 27th birthday and be physically qualified for aviation duty. Selectees will have a to serve a minimum of eight years for pilots and six years for naval flight officers.

"The CWO program is intended to create flying specialists unencumbered by the traditional career paths of the unrestricted line (URL) community," Vice Admiral John C. Harvey said in a naval message in January 2006.

At the cradle of naval aviation, NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer, Captain Peter S. Frano said he was pleased to learn that one of the selectees was from NAS Pensacola and couldn’t be more proud that Reyes, "the hometown kid" was chosen.

"It’s a wonderful program for the Navy, and Reyes is a wonderful example of how he and the Navy will benefit from this program," Frano said. "The initial group was handpicked and had to go through a tough selection process, so this means the best of the best were chosen."

According to the Flying CWO Pilot program’s board, 69 applications were submitted for the pilot’s slot and only 42 were fully qualified, and there were 48 applications submitted for the NFO and only 25 were fully qualified. Four of the 14 selected had their civilian pilot’s license and 7 out of 14 were naval air crew.

Reyes, an air crew rescue swimmer attached to the Helicopter Support Unit aboard NAS Pensacola, said he is excited about his new adventure and has high hopes for the program. He advises Sailors who are interested to start early and don’t procrastinate.

The next board will be held June 16-20, 2007.

ANN salutes Megan Kohr of NAS Pensacola Public Affairs.

FMI: www.navy.mil