Video: 23 Graduate from Pilot Training Program

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COLUMBUS, Miss. – Dozens of students at Columbus Air Force Base have now become the Air Force’s newest aviators.

On Friday, 23 young men and women graduated from the base’s undergraduate pilot training program.

They say their passion for flying got them through months of intense training.

“The first time you get in the jet, taking off, it’s just exhilarating, and then you start doing flips and aileron rolls and you get to fly formation,” said graduate 2d Lt. Mark Walker. “Every day was just a new adventure, you know, just a step up from the day before, and I just love it.”

For some of them, flying is in their blood.

“I think it’s incredible,” said Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Thomas Travis. “It actually says a lot about great Air Force families. A lot of us, our parents served in the Air Force and our children served in the Air Force.”

The graduation ceremony was especially emotional for Jon Koritz and his family.

His dad was killed in Operation Desert Storm more than 20 years ago, after his plane was shot down.

“It’s a special moment crossing the stage,” Koritz said. In class 82-01 when my dad crossed the stage, it’s pretty neat to be crossing the same stage 30 years later.”

“He would be so proud of his son, Jon, graduating today, pinning his silver wings,” Gen. Travis said. “What’s really great is he’s going to fly the F-15E Strike Eagle.”

The General’s advice? Build strong relationships, work hard, and have fun.

“The friends you make now should be lifelong friends,” Travis said. “That’s very important. Relationships matter throughout your career.”

These new pilots say they’re looking forward to their next assignments.