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By Ensign Christopher Catlett
PENSACOLA, Fla. – In the world of naval aviation there is a no more prestigious title than that of a flying ace. An ‘ace’ is an aviator who is directly responsible for shooting down five or more enemy aircraft. On March 29, 2018 Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida was honored to host retired ace Cmdr. William Driscoll at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Onboard NAS Pensacola Driscoll spoke to naval aviators and naval aviation students. Driscoll views the naval flight program as an answer to many of the issues that are of concern to U.S. security. “The solutions are being harvested right here in Pensacola,” said Driscoll, referring to the flight training program.
If naval aviators are to be the solution for many of the problems and challenges that the armed forces currently face they must be adept at performing to the best of their abilities even under extreme pressure. This is crucial according to Driscoll and was the subject of his speech.
In an effort to understand what it is that makes ace pilots able to perform so well Driscoll conducted interviews with 26 fellow ace pilots. From his interviews Driscoll was able to develop a theme. This being, “The will to succeed is of little value without the will to prepare,” said Driscoll. The key to success is relentless preparation. Driscoll advised those in attendance that if they want to be confident that they can perform at the same proficiency in and out of combat they must, “go over it, go over it, go over it again.” Driscoll does not believe that someone can be over prepared.
Driscoll stressed the importance of self-discipline. Driscoll points out that many people can be disciplined on occasion. But according to Driscoll, what it really takes in order to succeed is the day in and day out will to do what is needed in order to get the job done. Driscoll advises that if someone wants their performance to improve they must improve their self-discipline. “Hold nothing back,” said Driscoll.
Service members asked Driscoll if he has always been naturally disciplined or if he had to cultivate that trait in himself over time. Driscoll described himself as a self-starter. He always wanted to be the best that he could be but finds it a no win game to compare yourself to others. Instead he chooses to compare current performance to past performance. “The day you stop wanting to be better is the day you stop being good,” said Driscoll.
Having been a TOPGUN instructor and still having a close relationship with TOPGUN to this day Driscoll gave his insight into what he believes are the qualities of the best instructors. Firstly, the best instructors are credible. They have the type of wisdom that can only exist due to firsthand experience. Secondly, they are accountable, first and foremost with themselves and then with students. Third and fourthly, the best instructors have the right attitude and are approachable. Driscoll pointed out that having a good attitude is the most important quality for an instructor to have.
Driscoll also went on to say which qualities make a great student. Above all, what makes a great TOPGUN student is their resilience, adaptability, and attitude. Resilience comes into play when a student is able to shrug off the bad and move on, being all the better for any constructive criticism. A student must be adaptable. Rarely, if ever, do things go exactly according to plan. As a student, someone must learn the importance of being able to shift gears at any given moment without compromising performance. Again attitude is crucial because all other worthy qualities naturally flow from having a good attitude.
Driscoll believes that current world affairs are characterized by great uncertainty and volatility. When Driscoll was asked what the role of naval aviation will be in response to the current world order. Driscoll says that on the one hand the job of the Navy is to keep the sealanes open, and on the other hand the job of naval aviation is to control the airspace. If Navy aviation is able to control the airspace then it will allow for the fleet to more adequately control the sealanes.
Over his 41 year career in the Navy Driscoll would log 3,300 hours of jet fighter flight time, perform 500 carrier landings, perform in more than 5,200 dogfights and participate in 170 combat missions. He has been awarded the Navy Cross and also been nominated for the Medal of Honor. Additionally, he has been the recipient of two Silver Stars, a Purple Heart, and 10 Air Medals.
Driscoll spends the majority of his time as a work-life balance speaker traveling across the U.S. Some of Driscoll’s clients include Chevron, Fidelity Investments, Lockheed Martin, and Nationwide Mutual Insurance among others. He also speaks to every graduating TOPGUN class.
| Date Taken: | 04.09.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 04.09.2018 13:11 |
| Story ID: | 272312 |
| Location: | PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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