Rota native graduates from Army Aviation Center of Excellence

The Saipan Tribune ^ | July 27, 2018 | Press Release

[2ndDivisionVet]

WO1 John A. Ayuyu of Rota is the first fixed wing aviator from the Marianas to graduate from the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence.

He is the son of Juan M. Ayuyu and Alvina A. Ayuyu.

WO1 Ayuyu completed his rigorous training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. WO1 Ayuyu made his dream a reality through hard work and determination. He successfully graduated from Warrant Officer Candidate School in April of 2017 and has completed the Overwater Survival Training and Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) courses. This year, he sets his sights higher finishing at the top of his class in the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course flying UH-72 Lakota helicopters. During his Advance Aircraft Selection, he selected the U.S. Army’s C-12 airplane. WO1 Ayuyu has completed the Army’s C-12 Initial Entry Fixed Wing Course and is now current and qualified. The United States Army has selected Mr. Ayuyu to attend the DHC-7 Aircraft Qualification Course this fall and ultimately will remain as his primary fixed wing aircraft.

His family, friends, and the entire community of Rota are proud to honor and celebrate his achievements and graduation from flight school on July 19, 2018. As he marks yet another milestone in his career, we hope all children of the Marianas and around the world, through WO1 Ayuyu’s accomplishments, are inspired and see that no matter where you come from, you can accomplish anything with hard work, determination, faith, and the love and support of family.

WO1 Ayuyu will be stationed in the Republic of Korea and will soon be joined by his loving wife Kristin P. Ayuyu, and his daughters, Sophia and Olivia.

[2ndDivisionVet]

I always wanted to be an M.I. warrant officer, but it was not to be. It's a great space in between NCOs and commissioned officers.

[Tax-chick]

I’m pleased for the gentleman and his family, and I hope he has a very successful career.

[PAR35]

Great plan for downsizing the military. Fire every officer who thinks calling a military base a “Center of Excellence” is a good idea.

[yarddog]

I just remembered something after reading this article. I live maybe 25 miles South of Ft. Rucker. For many years I have gotten used to the sound of helicopters.

I had not thought about it but have not seen any for at least weeks.

[OldSmaj]

...Overwater Survival Training and Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) courses.

I was an instructor for those courses at Fort Rucker, way back in the '70's, as a young buck Sergeant, fresh back from Vietnam.

I had a chip on my shoulder and I dared many a young WOC to knock it off and regrettably allowed it to influence my method of instruction .

I do regret that now, but I did have some old W-4's and one W-5 tell me just prior to my retirement that I had a positive influence on them, way back when.

Quite a few of them thought I was much older than my then 21 tender years of age.

Oh, the stories I could tell!