LV sailor helps jets fly off carrier

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002 | 9:09 a.m.

According to Navy officials, Airman Michael Autida, son of Evelyn and Anastatcio Autida of Las Vegas, is doing his part for the war on terrorism as a member of Electronic Attack Squadron 132 aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington.

Autida is one of more than 10,000 Atlantic Fleet sailors and Marines aboard the ships of the Washington Battle Group and USS Nassau Amphibious Ready Group. He works as a ground support team member of the air group onboard the Washington.

Volunteers from Autida's ship recently spent time during a port call at Naples, Italy helping the Sisters of Charity clean a soup kitchen before helping to serve meals as part of a community relations project.

When not deployed aboard a carrier, Autida's squadron of EA-6B Prowler jets is home based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. The Prowler crews specialize in jamming enemy radar and providing an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft and ground troops.

Flight centennial

Air Force officials have announced the service will help celebrate a yearlong Centennial of Flight commemoration that began Wednesday with the anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight. The Air Force will participate in centennial events honoring a century of aviation heroes and communicate its contributions to airpower, from the earliest beginnings of powered flight to today's expeditionary air and space force and the future in air and space.

Nellis Air Force Base will be a part of the commemoration with its fall open house and air show, which will also commemorate the 50th anniversary year of the activation of the Thunderbirds.

"Plans have not been finalized for our fall air show, but our theme will definitely celebrate the 100 years of powered flight and 50th anniversary of the Thunderbirds, which are home based here," said Capt. Kelly Cahalan, a Nellis spokeswoman.

"The world has changed dramatically since 1903, yet the drive and determination to harness the promise of flight has never been stronger," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper. "From the Wright Flyer to the F/A 22 Raptor, America continues to pioneer cutting-edge technology, and its airmen remain champions of innovation."

The Centennial of Flight website (www.calsnet.net/usafcent) presents the latest information on the celebration, with a calendar of centennial events and list of products. It is also a resource center for aviation-themed educational resources and lesson plans, and support for centennial events around the country.

In brief

The new Marine, son of Tina and Jerry Crofts of Henderson, successfully completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.