| First Dutch F-16 class graduates from training |
Public Affairs Specialist SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - “Flying is a way of life. In the last eight months, we’ve experienced a new way of life,” said Royal Netherlands Lt. Gen. J.H. de Jong at the first Dutch initial qualification course graduation ceremony Dec. 15 at the Mandalay Banquet Center here. In addition to the five American student pilots, eight Dutch student pilots from the Royal Netherlands 306th Detachment, located at Springfield Air National Guard Base, completed their initial training for the F-16 fighter jet. The American and Dutch national anthems were scheduled to start the evening, and after the The Star-Spangled Banner was played, all waited for the Dutch national anthem to follow. However, the program encountered an error when attempting to play the anthem. As if on cue, the Dutch in attendance began proudly singing their national anthem. This impromptu display of patriotism was unexpected, but welcome. After a celebratory dinner, Lt. Col. Joseph W. Schulz, the 178th Fighter Wing chief of programs and scheduling and the evening’s master of ceremonies, introduced Col. Richard L. Lohnes, the former commander of the 178th, who expressed his sentiments regarding the occasion. “I’m very proud to be standing here,” Lohnes said. After searching a year and a half for a new mission for Springfield, and facing all the changes and challenges to accomplish it, he is proud to see success in this mission, Lohnes said. “(It is) nothing less than remarkable,” he said. “The Americans and Dutch will defend freedom. They will trust each other in the air and be better men, better F-16 fighters, better warriors.” Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant general, recognized Staff Sgt. Kerry A. Dubois, a customer service representative from the Military Personnel Flight, and Senior Airman Conrad Jett, a Maintenance Squadron crew chief, who Wayt had met earlier in the evening, as congenial, outstanding airmen. Wayt acknowledged these two individuals at the start of his speech with coins on stage. “It was one of my proudest days when the 306 flag came to Springfield,” Wayt said. “The U.S. is never going to fight again by themselves.” He extended goodwill to the graduates and instructed them to go forward for peace around the world. Lohnes awarded certificates of completion and coins to the American graduates and de Jong congratulated Dutch graduates and presented them with certificates of completion. In addition to their certificate, Dutch graduates were given a 178th Fighter Wing coin and a congratulatory plaque signifying their accomplishment as the first Dutch class. Schulz concluded the ceremony, allowing the graduates the opportunity to take pictures, socialize, and celebrate their accomplishments. |
