First we would like to thank LT. Erik Bielik for the time he takes to do this interview and for all of the long hours he spends serving his country. A real American Hero!

Q&A

What first got you interested in the Navy?
I first got interested in the Navy growing up as a Navy brat. My father was a Naval Aviator flying the S-3 Viking. Just being around all the Navy magazines, pictures, etc. kept my interest very high. I always wanted to learn how to fly but didn't have the money to learn civil aviation and what better way to learn with the military landing aboard aircraft carriers.

When where you in Iraq?
I never touched Iraq soil but I patrolled and drop bombs in the Iraq airspace which found Iraqi soil. I was over there from just prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom through the first three months of the War.

What was the scariest moment you have had flying?
I have had a few less than ideal moments flying but the one I am thinking of know was during a night strike into Iraq. I was flying with a squadron mate of mine in a section of hornets. We were tasked with taking out some Surface to Air missile sites and its associated radar systems. The whole way in was a breeze but just before we let the "Pigs" fly multiple SAM's started flying towards our jets. We defended and during our defense the whole sky below us lit up with AAA. It almost looked like daytime there was so much artillery and tracers in the air. We circled back around to drop our bombs and then headed back to the boat for a night trap, some good stories, and a slider or two.

Do you have any advice for Cadets wanting to be Pilots?
Most of the pilots I know are physically fit outgoing people who did quite well in the math and science subjects. My best advice would be to study hard, stay athletic, and socialize. In general be a well rounded person. Oh and any flying experience you can get prior to the military will keep your desire to get those Navy "Wings of Gold."