The Return to Plan A

By Terry Cusack

Kevin was an intelligent teenager, excelling in math and science, yet his grades failed to reflect his abilities. Spending six hours a day in a classroom with thirty peers wasn’t where he envisioned himself. From the age of three, Kevin, following in his father’s footsteps, harbored a deep desire to become a pilot. He aspired to emulate his grandfather, who had enlisted in the Navy and achieved the rank of Naval Aviator, particularly as a Hurricane Hunter. However, Kevin recognized that his 20/20 vision and a flawless 4.0 GPA were not within reach, rendering it impossible to directly occupy the seat of a military jet fighter. Pursuing a traditional college education also seemed impractical, leading Kevin to Plan B: enlisting in the Navy and working closely with airplanes. His chosen career path became that of a jet engine mechanic.

A few years into his enlistment, he met his wife, Anna, got married, and had a son. During his first enlistment, Kevin constantly sought opportunities that would contribute to his lifelong aviation goals. He seized the chance to discard his glasses by undergoing eye surgery, which was offered for free to Navy personnel. He utilized his Navy vocational training to study and obtain his FAA Airframe and Powerplant licenses, qualifying him for civilian aviation jobs that required a certified A&P mechanic. However, the dream of becoming a pilot still lingered, and having 20/20 vision allowed him to believe that pilot training might still be possible.

Plan-C was devised: he began applying for special programs to transition from Enlisted to Officer. Despite making multiple attempts and applications, rejections kept coming his way, causing him to temporarily set the idea aside. He had worked hard up to this point, advancing quickly to E-6 and becoming a respected shop supervisor during his initial Navy enlistment. However, the prospect of entering Officer Candidate School (OCS) and becoming a Navy Pilot seemed elusive.

Then, one day, during a casual discussion with his shop mates and Division Chief, he proposed a “What If” idea. What if he left the Navy, attended college on the GI bill, and applied to OCS before becoming too old for eligibility? The Chief thought this idea might increase his chances of acceptance, given that he would already possess a degree, substantial Navy experience, and would compete for entry slots with greater availability.

As Kevin walked away, the idea gained immediate momentum. He discussed it with his wife and parents, as the plan would require their support to provide for Kevin and his son while he pursued his education. The return to Plan-A was set in motion.

When Kevin’s first enlistment was up, he left the Navy. His wife agreed to stop working, move in with Kevin’s parents, and care for their son full-time while Kevin pursued online college with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. Working tirelessly through the summer and taking a double class load, he completed his degree before the window of age eligibility for pilot/officer training closed.

Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance, he applied to Navy OCS and this time received acceptance. After graduating from OCS in Providence, Rhode Island, he was transferred to NAS Pensacola for Basic Flight Training. Due to Navy logistics, schedules, and the impact of COVID, it took several years to complete his flight training.

Upon graduation from flight school, he chose the P-8 Poseidon Anti-Submarine platform, which was based at NAS Whidbey Island—a place he had enjoyed during his earlier enlistment years due to its outdoor adventures. After some aircraft transition training at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, he settled into his permanent duty station with Squadron VP-9 at NAS Whidbey Island. Today, Kevin holds the rank of Lieutenant and goes on deployments with the squadron to other countries.

The essence of Kevin’s story is this: You can overcome what may seem like career-limiting obstacles and achieve great goals if you have the passion and determination. In Kevin’s case, this passion has not only created a third generation of family Naval Air Service. but also instilled in him a lifelong love for adventurous aviation flying. He has the support of his wife and a talented son who displays remarkable mechanical aptitude. While Kevin continues to build hours in the cockpit of the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, you are more likely to find him in the backcountry, either driving a 4x4 SUV or flying a bush plane. Some may say, “What a lucky guy!” But it was not luck; it was Kevin’s unwavering passion for his dream that made the return to Plan A entirely possible.