Navy's Aviation Commander Says New Process For Call Sign Assignments Being Created

Two African-American Navy pilots say they were subjected to racial bias during their training with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, and the actions of the commander of Naval Air Forces Vice Adm. DeWolfe Miller would seem to back up their assertion.

Business Insider reports that Miller found that the two pilots, one of whom remains on active duty as a C-130 pilot, were removed from VFA-106 due to "substandard performance", although he found errors and inconsistencies in the grading and ranking process.

But in his formal endorsement letter signed May 13, Miller said that he found inappropriate conduct on the part of instructor pilots in the squadron. The instructors did not treat the trainees "with appropriate dignity and respect" by assigning call signs deemed to be discriminatory and discussing the pilots' performance in an inappropriate way on social media.

As a result, Miller directed the Chief of Naval Air Training to formalize a call sign assignment and review process for minority and female aviations within 90 days. The order applies to all training command and fleet replacement squadrons. He also ordered VFA-106 to undergo training on the inappropriate use of social media, and have a "diversity and inclusion expert" to work with the unit on bias and stereotypes, whether intentional or not.

"I intend to invite [the two aviators] to assist in the development of the training curriculum," he wrote. "While it is not the responsibility of these officers to create the solution for the unprofessional and offensive behavior they experienced, it is my hope these officers understand the sincerity of our commitment in addressing unprofessional behavior and will want to join us in this corrective action."

Details of the specific incidents that led to the actions are outlined in the full story linked below.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report