Littleton native serves as Navy instructor pilot

A 2000 Heritage High School graduate and Littleton native plays a key role in the rigorous training process that transforms officers into U.S. naval aviators.

Lt. Cmdr. Brad Holmes is an instructor pilot with the “Boomers” of Training Squadron 27, based in Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. The squadron flies the T-6B Texan II aircraft.

“My daily work as an instructor pilot is incredibly rewarding, especially having taught 16 people how to hover a helicopter,” Holmes said.

The squadron’s primary mission is to train future naval aviators to fly as well as to instill leadership and officer values. After graduation, pilots learn how to fly a specific aircraft and later are assigned to a ship or land-based squadron.

“Nearly every skill I learned as a Boy Scout I have used or continue to use in the Navy,” Holmes added.

There are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career. Holmes is most proud of receiving a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the contributions he made while being deployed to Haiti on the USNS Comfort in 2012.

“In 2008, I received a NAM for being part of a food mission flying in Haiti,” Holmes said. “I was deployed in Haiti to provide humanitarian relief following an earthquake in 2012. I made some good friends along the way and helped reduce a tremendous level of human suffering.”

“Serving, in general, means an opportunity to give back to our country in return for the rights and freedoms we all enjoy,” Holmes said. “Serving in the Navy is an unique form of service full of challenges and opportunities for personal growth. While not all are suitable for military service, I think some sort of service should be required for all citizens because the individuals and the country will both benefit.”