A 2011 Palmerton Area High School graduateis playing a key role in the lengthy and rigorous training process that transforms U.S. Navy officers into Navy pilots.

Ensign Jarrett Kleintop is a student pilot with the Rangers Training Squadron (VT-28), based in Corpus, Christi, Texas, that operates the T-6B Texan II aircraft. As a student pilot, Kleintop is responsible for learning how to safely operate military aircraft to prepare him for a career as a pilot in the Navy."Being a pilot challenges me," Kleintop said. "It has taught me a lot about myself and is very rewarding to see what I can accomplish when I am focused and dedicated."The T-6B Texan is a training aircraft powered by a 1,100-shaft horsepower, free-turbine, turboprop single-engine, four-bladed propeller, with a cruising speed of 310 mph.VT-28's primary mission is to train future naval aviators to fly as well as instill leadership and officer values, Navy officials explained. Students must complete four phases of flight training to graduate. After successfully completing the rigorous program, naval aviators earn their coveted "Wings of Gold."After graduation, pilots continue their training to learn how to fly a specific aircraft. They are later assigned to a ship or land-based squadron.Many pilots will fly aircraft which take off from and land aboard aircraft carriers, a unique capability which allows the Navy to operate anywhere on the world's oceans. Recently, Navy attack aircraft operating from aircraft carriers sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and from Middle East waters have launched hundreds of strike missions against terrorist targets in Iraq and Syria.As a member of one of the U.S. Navy's squadrons with the newest aircraft platforms, Kleintop said he and other VT-28 sailors are proud to be part of a war-fighting team that readily defends America at all times."The camaraderie is great here," Kleintop said. "The instructors here expect a lot from us as students, but they are always there to help because they have been through what we are going through and teach us from those experiences."Jobs are highly varied at VT-28, Navy officials said. Approximately 69 men and women officers and 15 civilian employees make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly."Leading this extraordinary team of naval officers and civilians is an honor," said Cmdr. James T. Sultenfuss, commanding officer of VT-28.Serving in the Navy, Kleintop is learning about being a more responsible leader, sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities."Being in the Navy has improved my work ethic," Kleintop said. "I have learned a lot about my character. I am more confident, punctual and a better leader because of the experiences the Navy has given me."