Tinian son is newest Marine helicopter pilot

1st Lt. Adrian Anthony R. Evangelista, a resident of San Jose Village, Tinian, recently earned his wings as a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps.

The designation ceremony for the newest helicopter pilots of the Navy and Marine Corps was held April 4 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. The new pilots received their training at Helicopter Training Squadrons 8, 18 and 28.

Evangelista graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy before attending flight training and earning his wings of gold as a helicopter pilot.

Rear Adm. Gary Jones, commander, Naval Education and Training Command, spoke during the graduation ceremony, where the lauded the proud history of the Navy and Marine Corps Team.

“From combat in Iraq and Afghanistan to relief operations around the world and here at home, the Navy and Marine Corps Team has proven ready to meet any challenge,” he said.

“You should have no doubt in your minds that your new careers are the stuff of dreams! The dream is freedom. Freedom for people to vote in the first free elections their country has ever known, and freedom for children to go to school for the first time,” said Jones. “The enduring roles of the Navy and Marine Corps team demand the formidable presence and striking power of Naval aviation. A forward-deployed Navy and Marine Corps team, ready to project power, shape events, deter conflicts, and defeat aggression, demonstrate our Nation’s commitment to its allies.”

Jones also reminded the audience that combat is not the only role for the US military or their aviation forces. Last November Tropical Cyclone Sidr ravaged the Southern coast of Bangladesh, killing more than 3,000 people and leaving many thousands of others without the basics of food, water and shelter. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Kearsarge and USS Tarawa delivered more than 200,000 pounds of relief supplies, as well as airlifting patients for medical treatment.

“As rotary wing aviators, you will have opportunities to make a positive difference in the world. I know the future is bright for Naval aviation, our Navy Marine Corps Team, and our nation,” said Jones.

For more information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/.