Training Squadron TWO (VT-2)

The past week has been a full sprint for our squadron — strengthening teamwork, reinforcing safety, and pushing the limits of #warfightingreadiness. On March 8, we celebrated one of our own at the annual Santa Rosa County, Florida Navy League of the United States Awards Dinner, where our squadron’s Instructor Pilot of the Year was recognized among the #bestofthebest across Training Air Wing FIVE and NAS Whiting Field. Excellence in the cockpit and on the ground is what drives our mission forward! A few days later, on March 12, we had the privilege of hosting French Navy Captain Lionel Delort, the French equivalent of Chief of Naval Air Training. Captain Delort took to the skies with us in a T-6B and met with squadron and Training Wing FIVE leadership to see firsthand how we train #lethal, combat-ready naval aviators. Strengthening ties with our allies and partners ensures we’re ready to fight alongside them when the time comes. On March 13, we turned our focus inward with a U.S. Naval Air Forces “Safety Reattack,” taking a hard look at T-6B trends, HAZREPS, and unforced errors — reinforcing our #doerbird Guiding Principles and commitment to procedural compliance and Sound Naval Aviation Principles. Safe operations today ensure lethal execution tomorrow. During the event, we honored our outgoing Command #Ombudsman, Mrs. Amanda Fields, for her incredible support and recognized standout squadron personnel for their contributions to the mission. And, because teamwork extends beyond the flight line, we wrapped it all up that evening with an all-hands squadron night at a Pensacola Ice Flyers (SPHL) game. A little off-duty competition fuels the camaraderie that makes us stronger in the cockpit. Through strategic engagements, safety initiatives, and squadron camaraderie, we continue to #RiseToTheChallengeRise — for the mission, for each other, and for the fight ahead. Doerbirds, onward! #RiseToTheChallenge #Doerbirds #NavalAviation #WarfightingReadiness #TrainToFight #NavalFlightTraining #Lethality #FlyNavy TAILHOOK ASSOCIATION Naval Helicopter Association Friends of Naval Aviation, Inc. Beechcraft

From the Southwest to the Southeast — #Doerbirds Across the Nation! Our Training Air Wing FIVE and Chief of Naval Air Training Lake Havasu Detachment was more than just a change of scenery — it was a proving ground. In the final days, seven of our student aviators soared on their first solo flights, embracing the challenge and owning the sky. While we wrapped up operations out west, one of our own took to the #pensacolaflorida skies for a final flight back home, marking the end of an impactful chapter in their journey as a #navalaviator and Instructor Pilot. From first solos to final flights, we train, we grow, and we press forward — anywhere, anytime. Now, we bring that momentum back to the Southeast, carrying forward the lessons learned, the confidence gained, and the relentless drive that defines our squadron. The mission continues. The standard remains high. The next challenge awaits. #RiseToTheChallenge #DoersAcrossTheNation #NavalAviation #Lethality #SoloFlightSuccess #FinalFlight #FromAZtoFL #WarfightingReadiness U.S. Naval Air Forces TAILHOOK ASSOCIATION Naval Helicopter Association Friends of Naval Aviation, Inc. Beechcraft US Navy

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Congratulations to our 2024 Instructor Pilot of the Year, LT Max Drake! This week, LT Drake was recognized by the Pensacola Lions Clubs International Chapter on behalf of Training Air Wing FIVE and NAS Whiting Field as an "Outstanding Flight Instructor" during an annual awards banquet at the Scenic Hills Country Club. Exemplifying our Doerbird Guiding Principles, LT Drake’s tireless work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence set the standard for those around him. Through his passion for training and relentless dedication, he not only shaped the next generation of #NavalAviators but also elevated the squadron as a whole, strengthening U.S. Naval Air Forces and Chief of Naval Air Training. Great squadrons are built by great instructors. LT Drake’s example reminds us that every debrief, every sortie, and every lesson shapes the future of naval aviation. Who’s next to step up, lead, and inspire? The Doerbirds salute your selfless service, commitment to mission accomplishment, and drive to help others #RisetotheChallenge in support of #Lethality and #WarfightingReadiness. BZ!

#DoersStraightDoin’ Out at our Chief of Naval Air Training and Training Air Wing FIVE detachment in Lake Havasu, the mission keeps moving, and milestones keep stacking up. Three of our student #navalaviators just completed their first solo flights — marking a benchmark in their journey to the fleet. Every solo is more than just a flight — it’s proof of discipline, decision-making, and warfighting mindset in action. These future combat aviators are gaining the skills they’ll need to execute the mission wherever and whenever called. Naval Aviation demands readiness. Lethality starts here. And Doerbirds? We just keep doin’! #birdsup #lethality #warfightingreadiness #navalaviation #navy #training #fleet #teamwork #leadership #doersstraightdoin’ U.S. Naval Air Forces TAILHOOK ASSOCIATION US Navy Friends of Naval Aviation, Inc. Beechcraft Naval Helicopter Association Daedalians

Happy Presidents Day! ?????? Today, we honor the leaders who have shaped our nation and strengthened our military. Their vision and dedication inspire us to fly, train and prepare to win every day!

#desertsdoers ???? The desert skies of Lake Havasu just saw three of our students stake their claim in #navalaviation, completing their first solo flight in the BeechcraftT-6B Texan II! Like gunslingers stepping onto the frontier, they’ve proven their skill, confidence, and grit — key traits for the fight ahead. This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our instructor pilots — the seasoned gunslingers of the sky — who pass down their knowledge and sharpen the instincts of the next generation. Their mentorship ensures our students don’t just fly; they “Rise to the Challenge,” training to win in the unforgiving environment of combat aviation. And with their first solo flight behind them, these Doerbirds now earn the right to wear the new VT-2 command ball cap — an emblem of their hard work, resilience, and place among those who have taken this step before them. As we close out our second week of Chief of Naval Air Training and Training Air Wing FIVE detachment operations, these solos stand as a testament to the fighting spirit, #lethality, and #warfightingreadiness that defines the Doerbirds. The frontier of Naval Aviation is in good hands! #Doerbirds #TrainToFight #SoloFlight #NavalAviation #T6B #ForgingWarriors #RiseToTheChallenge U.S. Naval Air Forces Friends of Naval Aviation, Inc. TAILHOOK ASSOCIATION Naval Helicopter Association Daedalians US Navy United States Marine Corps U.S. Coast Guard

The Doerbirds just wrapped up an outstanding first week of Chief of Naval Air Training and Training Air Wing FIVE detachment operations in #lakehavasu, AZ — flying hard, honing #warfighting skills, and strengthening the #teamwork that makes us #lethal in the skies. On this #superbowl Sunday, we’re reminded that greatness — whether on the gridrion or in the #fleet — is built on relentless preparation, trust in your team, and the drive to execute when it matters most. Just like the best teams in the #nationalfootballleague, #NavalAviation demands precision, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. We closed out the week the right way — with a squadron BBQ, reinforcing the camaraderie and mentorship that fuel our success. From the desert to the fight, we train to win! We push each other to be better, We #RiseToTheChallenge, and We never do it alone. Enjoy the game, and Go Doerbirds! U.S. Naval Air Forces TAILHOOK ASSOCIATION Beechcraft Naval Helicopter Association US Navy

High noon? Try high speed! The Doerbirds have traded spurs for speed during Chief of Naval Air Training and Training Wing FIVE detachment operations over the skies of Lake Havasu, sharpening the skills that build #Readiness and #Lethality. Training in diverse, dynamic environments challenges our aviators to adapt, execute with precision, and make sound decisions when it matters most. Out here, we face the elements head-on, turning adversity into opportunity. Every sortie here reinforces our commitment to #warfighting excellence, ensuring our team is prepared to #lead and #win in any environment. Because when it comes to preparing for the fight, we don’t just train - we accelerate. Train hard. Fly smart. Stay ready. Rise to the Challenge! #Doerbirds #NavalAviation #WarfightingReadiness #Lethality #LakeHavasu #FlyFightLead U.S. Naval Air Forces US Navy Friends of Naval Aviation, Inc. TAILHOOK ASSOCIATION Naval Helicopter Association Beechcraft

Winter storms and operational hurdles couldn’t stop the Training Squadron TWO (VT-2) Doerbirds from celebrating one of our own this week! Using Google Meet, we came together for a Virtual Selection Ceremony using Comtinutiy of Operations protocols to honor our latest Primary Flight Completer who will soon support the U.S. Naval Air Forces forward deployed. This event was a testament to the #adaptability and #teamwork that define our squadron. Whether in the air or online, the Doerbirds Rise to the Challenge, finding innovative ways to accomplish the Chief of Naval Air Training mission and support each other. Congratulations to our newest completer - you’ve earned this milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder! Friends of Naval Aviation, Inc. US Navy Naval Helicopter Association Beechcraft