VX-31 XO Explains Mission to Middle-Schoolers

CDR Ian Anderson, shown here surrounded by the students and mascot of South Fork School, delivered the message that education pays dividends for life.

Date: 02-Jul-10
News Release Number: ECL201007021
News Release Copy: By Susan Read, NAWCWD Public Affairs Office

"Thank you sincerely, Commander Anderson. It was the best assembly all year!" wrote a student of South Fork School in the Kern River valley town of Weldon. This was just one of dozens of heartfelt, handwritten notes to CDR Ian Anderson, Executive Officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron THREE-ONE (VX-31) at China Lake. Anderson recently traveled to the school for a presentation to 125 middle school students, their teachers and administrators.

Earlier in the year, when South Fork School District Superintendent and Principal Sherry Nichols contacted the Weapons Division Public Affairs Office with concerns about military jets flying loud and low, it was time for some personal outreach to help explain the Navy's mission in Kern County. The right man for the job was Anderson.

"I grew up as a local kid right here in Ridgecrest," Anderson said. "I was fascinated with the planes overhead, but I know that not everyone shares that fascination. I was happy to take this opportunity to explain what naval aviation is all about, especially what we do here in the Weapons Division at China Lake and Point Mugu." Anderson shared his dream about being a fighter pilot. "When I was about the same age as you are, I found out what it took --good grades, no drugs or law trouble, a college degree, and excellent personal performance." Following graduation from Sherman E. Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest, he attended UCLA on a Navy ROTC scholarship, earning a degree in economics. He was selected for flight officer training and earned his "wings of gold" at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida.

With video clips and rock music to capture their attention, Anderson brought the students into his work day, providing examples of what the operational and test squadrons do to support the military mission. Anderson relayed what it takes to do the job, why that's important to the nation, and why the local area - which includes Navy ranges (sea, air, land) and laboratories – is so good for testing aircraft and weapons.

Informing the public, including young people in the surrounding communities, is an important part of the Weapons Division's outreach. Pilots like CDR Anderson help increase the understanding about the role of the squadrons, convey the attention to detail necessary to fly military aircraft, and the challenging flight regimen that builds skills other than the obvious ones.

Anderson said the visit was as beneficial to him as it seemed to be for the school audience. "These are good kids – articulate, knowledgeable and impressive. It's obvious that the teachers and staff have made an impact on the students' academics and citizenship, but I also appreciated their attention and exceptional behavior."

The students sent Anderson notes of confirmation that his message was heard. "When you came to our school, I appreciate it and I am glad you answered questions with useful answers." "You inspired me to never give up -- also, to believe in myself." One wrote of a hoped-for future that mirrors the course Anderson's life has taken: "I really enjoyed your presentation. It made me feel like my dreams could honestly come true. From the first time I saw a plane fly over me, I fell in love with them and since then, I've always wanted to become a test pilot!"

Superintendent Nichols said the students and staff are still talking about the visit. A thank-you note validated Nichols' statement. "Everyone liked it," the student wrote, "and we ALL hope that you can come again to our cool school. Thank you for serving our country." For one young audience member, it took only two words to express his opinion of CDR Ian Anderson, naval aviator: "You rock!"

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