This week we were held captive by retired Navy Commander Eric deVita. Commander deVita does not sail ships, he is a Naval Aviator.
In case you thought the Navy was only about boats and ships, you have much to learn. We learned from Commander deVita that Naval Aviators fly some of the worlds most exclusive and technical planes. And, unlike the Navy’s Air Force counterparts, these ladies and gentlemen often have to take off and land from moving targets – namely those ships (aircraft carriers) one thinks about when thinking of the Navy.
Only a small group of those in the Navy are able to fly for the Navy. Pilots must be officers, which means they must first have attended Annapolis or West Point, must have gone through ROTC, or must have completed post college Office Candidate School.
We learned about the Super Hornet (FA18EF) which Commander deVita flies. This plane is built at a cost of $40M EACH. However, they maintain at much lower cost than planes such as the ones we saw in Top Gun. This plane can be used for combat or peace keeping. The video we had the opportunity to watch of this plane had us riveted to the screen. This plane can do amazing maneuvers. The decision to build and operate this specialized aircraft is a balance between immediate and future needs. It can fly up to 2 ½ hours without re-fueling and, if necessary, can be refueled in the air.
One final AMAZING piece of information I must share. Did you know that an aircraft carrier can launch the Super Hornet at a rate of 40 planes and 30 minutes! And can land them at the same rate! Holy Cow! Talk about precision work.
We also held election of our President Elect for next year and the President Elect Nominee for the following year. Congratulations and thank you to Jeff Wilcox our Preisdent Elect and Shayne Wittwer our President Elect Nominee. We look forward to working with you.
Next week we have a vocational tour. John Johnson has arranged for us to visit Southwest Tile at 1512 S. 270 E. (off Riverside Drive behind Rainbow Sign and Banner) to learn about granite countertops and other applications. As always, breakfast will be served at 7:00, the tour will start at 7:30. Please join us should be very interesting.
See you then,
Marla Shelby-Drabner, President
Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise.
Next week we have a vocational tour. John Johnson has arranged for us to visit Southwest Tile at 1512 S. 270 E. (off Riverside Drive behind Rainbow Sign and Banner) to learn about granite countertops and other applications. As always, breakfast will be served at 7:00, the tour will start at 7:30. Please join us should be very interesting.
See you then,
Marla Shelby-Drabner, President
Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise.
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