SUPT class 21-10 graduates rejoice, break silverwings

Twenty-one student pilots have successfully navigated through the challenges of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training taught at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, earning the aeronautical rating of pilot.

Held at the Kaye Auditorium, SUPT class 21-10 walked across the stage to receive their diploma and awards for individual performance.

Col. Scott Harron, 193rd Special Operations Mission Support Group commander, spoke to the new aviators about being the best pilot they can be and the best officer they can be.

“To be able to share my leadership philosophies and thoughts with the newest aviators was humbling,” said Harron. “I want these graduates to embrace the officer and leadership side of the job. Engage with Airmen, strive to be future leaders, and take opportunities as they come.”

As an Intelligence Officer in the Air National Guard, Harron has deployed in support of several operations. He has supported fighter, cargo and refuel operations at the tactical level, conducted intelligence debriefing operations in a deployed location, and has led the Analysis Correlation and Fusion Cell at the operational level.

“Not every place is fun, so during the tough times you have to remember why you joined the Air Force in the first place,” Harron said. “You can’t lose that passion that drove you to join. Don’t be so focused on the next rank that you forget the one you are wearing; you will have plenty of opportunities to learn and make mistakes at the next rank so enjoy this one.”

After receiving their diplomas and being congratulated for their hard work, the graduates and audience watched a video about what it means to be a pilot in the Air Force followed by additional advice from Lt. Col. Joe McCane, 14th Student Squadron commander.

Family, friends and other members of Team Blaze watched as the new graduates took part in the traditional the breaking of wings. The tradition entails snapping their first set of pilot wings into two halves, never to be brought together again while the pilot is alive. One half is kept by the pilot, while the other is kept by the pilot’s loved one.

Continuing their careers, the new pilots will move onward to their respective bases and begin training on the aircraft designated to them. Some selected officers will stay at Columbus AFB, entrusted with the position of First Assignment Instructor Pilot to continue the training of world-class aviators.