Ensign Kato earns naval aviator status in Pensacola

Navy ensign Joseph J. Kato, son of Ruth J. and John J. Kato of Juneau, was recently designated a naval aviator while serving with training Squadron 86, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla.

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Kato was presented with the coveted "Wings of Gold," marking the culmination of months of flight training.

Kato followed a training curriculum that included basic studies in engineering and navigation, training flights in simulators, aircraft familiarizations, basic and advanced instrument training, extended navigation flights and landings and takeoffs aboard an aircraft carrier.

Kato is a 1995 graduate of Juneau-Douglas High School and joined the Navy in May 2000. He is a 2000 graduate of U.S. Naval Academy, Md., with a bachelor of science degree.