MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Marines and Sailors with Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, have a unique motivation to strive for excellence.
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, MAG-11, 3rd MAW, rewards Marine and Sailors from MAG-11 for their superior performance and balanced excellence by giving them incentive rides in one of the world's most high-tech aircraft: the F/A-18D Hornet.
"Every quarter, men and women from the rank of private to staff sergeant are assessed based on their exceptional performance of duty, contributions to the command's mission accomplishment, leadership and management skills, professional knowledge and improvement, command and community involvement, as well as military bearing," said Maj. Nathan M. Miller, adjutant, VMFAT-101.
Junior and Senior Marines and Sailors of the Quarter from MAG-11 are publicly announced at formations. For the lucky chosen few, after successfully completing the rigorous prerequisites - consisting of swimming and physiological evolutions and ejection seat training - they are approved for flight by the 3rd MAW commanding general.
"Shortly after approval, they are strapping in to the backseat of an F/A-18 Hornet for the most thrilling ride of their lives," said Miller.
For the selected Marines and Sailors, their incentive rides invariably prove to be an unforgettable moment.
"It was the best ride I will ever experience," said Seaman Tiffaney M. Dykstra, aviation machinist mate, VMFAT-101, and a native of Kelso, Wash., who took her incentive ride April 7, 2005, following her selection as VMFAT-101's Junior Sailor of the Year for 2004. "Since we didn't have a mission we flew over the range and did whatever maneuvers we wanted ... to my surprise I ended up pulling 7 G's ... the ride was very exhausting. I don't know how the pilots do it everyday, sometimes twice. Overall it was an amazing experience that I will never forget."
For another of the squadron's more senior members, the incentive ride proved to be a landmark moment.
"I can honestly say that (the flight) was the most fascinating event I have ever been involved with," said Sgt. Maj. Raul H. Tena, sergeant major, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, and a native of Los Angeles, who took his incentive flight July 19, 2005. Tena flew before departing VMFAT-101 as the sergeant major, and joining HMM-165.
"I still think about it everyday, and I'm convinced that I can now use the term 'extreme' when
discussing the most exciting time of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better send-off. The high respect that I already have for our brave pilots and those airframes has increased tenfold."
Committed to recognizing individuals for their contributions allows VMFAT-101 and other MAG-11 Hornet squadrons to accomplish their multifaceted mission: to successfully train combat-ready aircrew while balancing the morale of its members.
"The incentive ride program is a great thing because it rewards professional leaders who do things right and do the right thing," said Miller.