Naval Aviator Winging Ceremony – NAS Corpus Christi
July 21, 2018
A couple of years ago, my little brother graduated from the US Navy’s Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI and since then he has undergone intensive training at various air stations to finally earn is Naval Aviator Wings. Whenever he wasn’t flying or in the simulators, he was studying manuals, drilling procedures, planning flights, and “chair flying” — truly intense training to meet the Navy’s standards and famous flying history. In May 2018, as his brother and as a professional photographer, I went to see him be winged and serve our country in the skies.
Blessing of the Wings
Before the formal winging ceremony, my brother, LTJG Gabriel Soñé, attended the blessing of the wings at the base’s Catholic Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe. The non-denominational blessing, presided by Anglican and Catholic deacons, bestowed the oversight of God on these men as their fulfilled their missions for the United States.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Afterwards, the reception was held at the base’s Protestant chapel where the “soft winging” occurred. My mother affixed the patch onto my brother’s flight suit and he was presented his official US Naval Aviator certificate.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Naval Aviator Winging Ceremony
The official ceremony took place at the Catalina Club in NAS – Corpus Christi where the recently blessed wings were affixed to my brother’s and his fellow Naval and Marine aviators uniforms. They recited their oath as aviators and were welcomed with a raucous applause.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
Photos of LTJG Gabriel Soñé Winging Ceremony at NAS – Corpus Christi after 2 years of intensive training by the US Navy’s Training Air Wing.
There aren’t really words I can use to describe how proud I am of him and the intelligence and perseverance he’s displayed not just since he raised his right hand at the recruiter’s office, but stretching back into his childhood — even when I didn’t give him credit. In nearly every pursuit he’s simultaneously met and exceeded expectations and is doing something way, way cool.
Great photos & such a heartfelt post! Signed, a Friend of your Mom (Deirdre)