KENYA AIR FORCE PILOTS AND JUNIOR NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS GRADUATE

The Commander Kenya Air Force (KAF) Major General John Omenda presided over the Flying Training School (FTS) and Junior Leadership Command (JLC) course graduation ceremony at Laikipia Air Base (LAB) on 12 August 2021.

The FTS graduands comprised of Pilot Officers trained in helicopter aircraft who begun their training with the ground training phase there after proceeded to the flying phase, starting with the Bulldog aircraft and later trained in four different types of helicopters.

The Officers who are currently undergoing conversion in their various helicopter squadrons, attained the required flying hours to enable them become KAF pilots and were awarded pilot brevets.

On the other hand the graduands of the JLC course underwent a six weeks training on Leadership and Command, whose aim was to develop them into leaders of character and competence in preparation of tasks awaiting them at their Units and Bases.

During training, some of the JLC graduands excelled in various fields and earned themselves prestigious certificates of merit which were presented to them by the Commander KAF.

The Commander KAF while giving his remarks, congratulated the graduands for their achievement. “This is a big milestone in your career as an Air Force Officer and Service Member”, said Major General Omenda.

“To the graduating Pilots, you are crossing a very significant bridge in your flying career. The responsibilities that come with your qualifications as an Air Force Pilot cannot be overemphasized. Your ethos, conduct and decorum consequently have to be above reproach. Uphold them in your endeavours, both in and outside the cockpit”, reiterated the Commander KAF.

To the graduating Service Members, Maj Gen Omenda said, “The training prepares you for bigger responsibilities as NCOs in various Units of the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Defence Forces as a whole. Endeavor to be responsible, resourceful and reliable. You should apply the knowledge acquired in your workplaces and in other assignments when called upon”.

The Commander KAF also thanked the Commandant Aviation Centre of Excellence (ACE), Commandant KAF Training Wing (KTW), Officers Incharge of the courses and their teams of instructors for a job well done. Maj Gen Omenda finally wished the graduands well in their various appointments in command positions as Squadron Pilots or as NCOs.

Also present during the event were Base Commander LAB Brigadier Bernard Waliaula, Commandant ACE, Commandant KTW, Principal Staff Officers, Commanding Officers, Officers and Service Members.