Sidewinders have inaugural class go 'Fangs out'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Rosine
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs Office
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 311th Fighter Squadron here graduated its inaugural class of F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots at 6 p.m. July 31 at the Holloman Club.

The 14 graduates, class 14-FBH, completed hundreds of hours of training over several grueling months to reach the historic ceremony and to join the proud heritage of the 311th.

"Looking back on our journey to get here, all I can think is that it has been a wonderful experience," said 1st Lt. Brittany Trimble, a graduate of class 14-FBH. "As soon as we arrived, we were all integrated quickly into the squadron. It was neat to be part of something like this and help get it established. We all very much feel like we helped build this squadron."

And, having a heritage of brotherhood, of family, is important to the 311th FS "Sidewinders" - so much so, that Trimble's own father, retired Lt. Col. Jack Trimble, was the guest speaker for the inaugural class' graduation.

A well-known combat pilot who had previously worn the 311th patch on his own arm, Lt. Col. Trimble is a former POW who survived the infamous Hanoi Hilton. He flew 175 combat sorties with the F-4 Phantom II.

He served as both a navigator and a pilot in his Air Force career. He also served at several locations including Holloman.

It was his personal experiences as a fighter pilot, leader and Airman that he offered to the graduates to help prepare them for the future they face. 

"Your training is over," he said. "You. You are now the spear point of America's power. Like so many generations that came before you - it will challenge you. But remember, a good wingman often makes the mission. But, you can't be a good leader without being a good wingman."

As the ceremony continued, the graduates took a moment to recognize those who helped them achieve their dreams. The class gave out seven awards to recognize the individuals they felt had the most significant impact on their successful graduation. They are:

The 14-FBH's Top Enlisted Support Airmen - Airman 1st Class Cody Vaughan

The 14-FBH's Most Valuable Crew Chief - Senior Airman Alex Hickey

The 14-FBH's Hammer Award - Maj. Bradford Brizek

The 14-FBH's Santa Claus - Maj. David Feth

The 14-FBH's Most Valuable Academic IP - Maj. Jonathan Cichowski

The 14-FBH's Most Valuable Civilian IP - Douglas Schaare

The 14-FBH's Most Valuable Flying IP - Capt. Lawson Cass

And, the awards kept coming. But this time, the Sidewinders recognized the families and friends who supported the students.

Then, they put their targeting reticles on the top graduates of class 14-FBH.

The first award presented was the Daedalian Leadership Award. This award is presented to the graduate who demonstrates the highest potential to be a strong flight leader. This person shows excellent officership, patriotism and self-sacrifice.

The Daedalian Leadership Award winner was Capt. Dave Able.

The next award given was the Red River Rat Award. This award was created by the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association. This award is presented to the graduate who best meets the award's only criteria - which student does the cadre want on their wing if they had to fly into combat tomorrow.

The Red River Rat Award winner was 1st Lt. Bryan Johnston.

The Top Academic Award went to the student with the highest overall grade point average on all tests taken.

With an overall average of more than 98 percent, the Top Academic Award winner was 1st Lt. Ryan Pittman.

Class 14-FBH also recognized two distinguished graduates.

The Distinguished Graduate Award is present to the student or students who best exemplify the highest standards of officership, Airmanship, academics, attitude, judgment, situational awareness and mission preparation on a daily basis.

The Distinguished Graduate Award winners were 1st Lt. Bryan Johnston and Capt. Ben Walters.

Following the recognition of the class' top students, the official graduation ceremony began.

"For me, it has always been my dream to be a pilot," said Johnston, who earned two student awards. "I am surprised and humbled by the awards I received. Everyone here is worthy of this recognition. To be in such an amazing group as this - that is just awesome."

Following graduation, more than 75 percent of the class will go overseas - an opportunity each graduate is excited to be a part of.

"We have already all had so many rewarding times in our Air Force careers," said Johnston. "We may not know what the future holds, but we are excited because we will be chasing the dream."