PHANTOM GOES FOR WINGS OF GOLD

Second Lieutenant Tina Mosqueda is hoping to hit the mother lode in her aviation career: the golden wings of a Naval Aviator.  Mosqueda, a 2012 graduate of Utah Valley University, is a member of the Phantom Cadet Squadron in Provo.  She recently was selected as one of 125 people nation-wide for a Naval Aviation Cadet position in the United States Navy.

“I am really excited about this chance to serve my country as a Naval Aviator,” Mosqueda said.  She was honored by the Phantom Squadron at her induction ceremony on May 23, 2013, which was held at the UVU Fire Academy, where the squadron meets weekly.  “I have been interested in flying ever since I was a teen.  When I talked to my dad about my interest, he took me to the local airport the next weekend.  The flying bug bit hard and has been with me ever since,” she said.

2Lt Mosqueda still has a few challenges ahead.  First, she has to complete the eight-week Navy Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island.  Then it is off to famous NAS Pensacola in Florida to begin her transition to being a Navy pilot.  Mosqueda has a leg up on her peers however because she already holds a commercial pilot certificate from the FAA, and has been exposed to military structure through her experiences in Civil Air Patrol.  Mosqueda qualified as a Mission Scanner and a Mission Observer during her tenure with the Phantoms, and was preparing for a CAP Form 5 evaluation to become a Transport Mission Pilot when she was notified of her selection for the Navy program.  She served as the Assistant Aerospace Education Officer for the Phantoms. 

Her passion for flight and tenacity in pursuing her goals is a hallmark which will stand her in good stead.  Her father, Tony Mosqueda, said “When Tina sets her mind to something, just get out of the way.  She won’t give up.  I am really proud of her.”  1Lt Tom Hopkins, the Deputy Commander for Seniors in the Phantom Squadron, and a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, commented,  “The Phantom’s loss is certainly is the Navy’s gain because Tina is an awesome officer.  She has worked well in AE, and is a great role model for our Cadets.  Our wishes for fair skies and smooth seas go with her to OCS and beyond.”