Orange Grove Opens Doors to 'Fat Albert,' Local Community Members

From Naval Air Station Kingsville Public Affairs

ORANGE GROVE, Texas (NNS) -- Navy Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Orange Grove, Texas, opened its doors to local landowners for a barbecue and orientation visit, Feb. 18.

The annual event serves to solidify the relationship between landowners, local community and Naval Air Station Kingsville, which owns the Orange Grove facility.

The event featured a visit by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels' Fat Albert team, which is using the airfield for air show training through Feb. 26.

"We enjoy having this opportunity to let the local community see firsthand what we do here," said Capt. Mark McLaughlin, NAS Kingsville commanding officer. "Our mission is training jet pilots, about 150 to 160 each year, and sending them to a fleet replacement squadron."

McLaughlin said Orange Grove is the ideal place to train jet pilots.

"There are no skyscrapers; nothing in the way," he said. "The airfield here is as close as it can get to a carrier's deck – without water around. It's the same size with runways in the same pattern. At night, we turn on the lights, lighting up the airfield, and it is just like the carrier's box."

During the event visitors were given a brief by Eddie Earwood, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who manages the local Bird/Animal Strike Hazard program.

"More than $200,000 worth of habitat modifications have been made to the Navy installations in Orange Grove and Kingsville, to help manage wildlife," Earwood said.

He also talked about the importance for the Navy and local landowners to work together.

ABHC(AW/SW) Rudolfo Oliva, NALF Orange Grove leading chief petty officer, said he appreciates the landowners and community members who participated in the event.

"It strengthens our relationship with the community, because they can see what we do," he said.

Oliva said that working with the surrounding landowners is essential to effectively attain their mission of safely training jet pilots.

"I love watching the jets in the sky," said Army veteran and nearby landowner, Gary Karaatz, who attended the barbecue.

Leonard Burmingham, another nearby landowner, agreed with Karaatz.

"Watching the aircraft flying in the sky is important, and I love to support the military," said Burmingham.

The Blue Angels Fat Albert crew also enjoy the training opportunity.

"There's no doubt that we receive a warm welcome here," said Capt. Edward Jorge, U.S. Marine Corps, who pilots the C-130. "We appreciate the opportunity to train at Orange Grove and meet the local community. We are treated very well here."