Photo By Senior Airman Beaux Hebert | Col. Gregory Roberts, Chief, Standardization and Evaluation Division, A2/3/10...... read more read more
Col. Gregory Roberts, Chief, Standardization and Evaluation Division, A2/3/10 Directorate for Intelligence, Operations, and Nuclear Integration, Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio – Randolph, Texas, visited Columbus Air Force Base May 19, 2017, to speak at Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 17-09.
Roberts began by thanking those in attendance for coming out to witness the graduation of 21 new pilots.
“Thank you to Col. Gosney and Col. Lawrie for inviting me,” Roberts said. “I appreciate the opportunity to come and speak at this pilot graduation on the 22nd anniversary of my own graduation from UPT. You truly honor me.”
He spoke to the graduates about their year in pilot training, what it took to get there and what they would be doing in the near future.
“Just like Col. Goseny was saying, each of you are one in 14,000 people to become pilots in the United States Air Force,” Roberts said. “None of you would be here if you did not have what it takes.”
Roberts then told a story about rescuing the crew and passengers of a downed MC-130H Combat Talon II. As his crew was picking up the evacuees, he realized with the added weight, the helicopter would not take off. The problem was cleverly solved by dumping a significant portion of fuel in order to take off, then being refueled by a tanker for the flight back home.
To overcome this adversity and make the mission a success, he used a phrase taught to him by his own instructor pilot many years prior.
“Prioritize, Aviate, Navigate and Communicate; doing those things saved my life that day in Afghanistan,” Roberts said. “That phrase is just as applicable in all things we do in life, not just in flying.”
Roberts emphasized the importance of others. He told the graduates to enjoy their day of recognition and then thank those who allowed them to graduate.
“We are all in this together,” Roberts said. “Family plays just as big of role as anyone else. Without them, you would not be graduating today.”
Roberts thanked the audience one last time before ending his speech.
“I offer again my final congratulations to Class 17-09,” Roberts said. “May you someday be half as cool as Gen. Hoyos and Col. Goseny.”
| Date Taken: | 05.19.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2017 10:49 |
| Story ID: | 235241 |
| Location: | COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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