Four U.S. Navy, one U.S. Marine Corps and two French Navy aviators received their “Wings of Gold” during a naval aviator designation ceremony held Friday in the Chapel onboard NAS Meridian.

The naval aviator designation ceremony is not prescribed specifically by U.S. Navy regulations, but has emerged as an honored product of the rich heritage of naval tradition.

It marks the culmination of nearly two years of specialized training, which has prepared these officers for the rigorous demands of aerial combat and carrier operations — earning each the title of “Naval Aviator” and the right to wear the coveted “Wings of Gold.”

Lt. j.g. Timothy Francis Walsh, USN, is a native of Weymouth, Ma. He is a graduate of University of Phoenix where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. During Advanced Jet Flight Training he earned one Navy “E” for bombing accuracy. He carrier qualified in the T-45C aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 11. Walsh completed Advanced Jet Flight Training with Training Squadron Seven. Before commissioning, Walsh served 10 years an enlisted Hospital Corpsman. 

On Feb. 18, 2010, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Walsh, age 22, was stationed with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines in Marjah, Afghanistan, when his convoy encountered a 55-pound roadside IED that exploded, injuring Walsh and five Marines.

As the units only corpsman and despite suffering severe injuries to his face, neck and legs, Walsh immediately rendered aid to the Marines until help arrived to evacuate all the service members including Walsh, who would earn a Purple Heart for his actions that day.

Walsh’s dream since childhood was to become a Naval aviator. After recovering from his injuries and surgery he knew he had to achieve his dream. He began the process to earn his degree and was commissioned an officer in March 2016.

“Feb. 18 was my ah-ha moment,” he said. “I actually didn’t think I was injured at the moment. I heard a yell for the corpsman and I ran to the first injured Marine. It wasn’t until I saw blood dripping hitting my hands that I realized it was from my face.”

Walsh said his years as an enlisted Sailor taught him respect for his fellow service members.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better career. I loved it,” he said. “But I knew I could be an aviator and maximize my potential.”

Now, age 32, Walsh is looking forward to earning his wings and moving on to hopefully be stationed near his wife, Lt. j.g. Meg Straw, who is a Navy supply officer.

Others earning their wings include:

Lt. j.g. Michael Berry, USN, earned one Navy “E” for bombing accuracy during Advanced Jet Flight Training. He carrier qualified in the T-45C aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 11. Berry completed Advanced Jet Flight Training with Training Squadron Seven.

Lt. Louis Bussiere, French Navy, earned one Navy “E” for bombing accuracy during Advanced Jet Flight Training. He carrier qualified in the T-45C aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 12. Bussiere completed Advanced Jet Flight Training with Training Squadron Seven.

Lt. j.g. Richard John Campbell IV, USN, was selected as VT-9’s Student of the Month for September 2018, and earned one Navy “E” for bombing accuracy during Advanced Jet Flight Training. He carrier qualified in the T-45C aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 11. Campbell completed Advanced Jet Flight Training with Training Squadron Nine.

Ensign Quentin Damien Folin, French Navy, was named to the Commodore’s List during Primary Flight Training and earned one Navy “E” for bombing accuracy during Advanced Jet Flight Training. He carrier qualified in the T-45C aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 12. Folin completed Advanced Jet Flight Training with Training Squadron Seven.

1st Lt. Williams Thomas Horn, USMC, earned three Navy “E’s” for bombing accuracy during Advanced Jet Flight Training. He carrier qualified in the T-45C aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 10. Horn completed Advanced Jet Flight Training with Training Squadron Seven.

Lt j.g. Kevin Henrik Lystad, USN, earned one Navy “E” for bombing accuracy, during Advanced Jet Flight Training. He carrier qualified in the T-45C aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 11. Lystad completed Advanced Jet Flight Training with Training Squadron Nine.