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Leaving on a Jet Plane
Your mission: Fly into potentially hostile airspace and provide an umbrella of protection over strike aircraft and ships by disabling enemy radar, electronic data links and communications. This is the mission of Erin Wreski ’00, an electronic countermeasures officer for the EA-6B Prowler. Already familiar with the Navy because of her father Edward’s 20-year service, Wreski entered Officer Candidate School (OCS) in February 2001. While preparing to be a naval officer, Wreski says, you learn how the Navy works and also go through physical readiness training. Immediately upon arrival students are asked to take a physical readiness test, which includes timed pushups, sit-ups and a 1.5-mile run. "In OCS you had to have been in really good shape just going in," she says. Wreski was awarded the physical training (PT) badge for having the top physical training score in her class, which included men and women. After graduating third in her class, Wreski entered Naval Flight School to learn the ins and outs of flying. The love of flying was something she learned from her father. "As for flying, I watched my dad do it for years and talked to a lot of people in the Navy who all loved it. I also went to a flying club and took a discovery flight to see if I would enjoy it and I really loved it," she says. It was time to put that love to the test. Students go through several phases of training in Naval Flight School. Aviation indoctrination training is the first level, which introduces students to, "aerodynamics, engines, flight rules and FAA regulations," she says. Primary flight training teaches the basics of flying. Students learn low level flying, how to navigate and also get to do some form flying. Form flying, says Wreski, consists of two jets flying tightly together in a section. "One of the greatest things I’ve done thus far is being able to look outside and not only be flying over the Florida coast, but also seeing three other jets you could pretty much reach out and touch. It’s pretty amazing," she says. As her advanced platform Wreski chose jets. "I think my personality and drive fit more into the jet lifestyle. The missions were great. We would have to hit a spot hundreds of miles away within 30 seconds," she says. The advanced flight training is the final stage for students before they earn their wings. Graduating from flight school, says Wreski, was the most incredible experience of her life. "After your last mission you land and all your friends are on the runway ready to congratulate you," she says. She received her wings on August 30, 2002. Wreski then entered Aviation Electronic Warfare School in Whidbey Island, Wash. on October 28, 2002, where she learned about radars and weaponry on different aircraft and ships from all over the world. Currently, Wreski is training with the Replacement Air Group (RAG) where she is learning to be electronic countermeasures officer for the EA-6B Prowler. There are three electronic countermeasures officers on board a Prowler. They run the equipment necessary to protect the rest of the air wing from anti-aircraft weapons when operating near hostile ships or land targets. "I’m learning all the technical aspects of the specific aircraft I am with," she says. Wreski’s journey through the ranks of naval aviation has encountered little turbulence. "It wasn’t difficult. I had a lot of women ahead of me who paved the way," she says. While some may still have problems with women in the armed forces, Wreski says, "Most guys our age are used to women competing next to them." With the war in Iraq, Wreski will soon get to put all of her training to use. She says she will most likely be shipped overseas right after she finishes training with the RAG. "After all, that is what I’ve been working for all this time. If we are not at war we just train and train. It would be nice to be able to go out there and serve my country," she says. -- Amy M. Buzinski ’03 |
