By MC3 Brian H. Abel

Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, Commander, Naval Air Forces, speaks to university students in the aviation career field during an "All Hands call" in Glasgow Hall, March 8. Shoemaker's open forum gave officers a chance to ask their questions about naval aviation's current state and future.

Lt. Angela Roush, a student in NPS' space systems engineering program, said she valued the opportunity to stay connected with her operational community.

"After doing a 10-month tour, it's nice to get an update on the future … Not only the good things, but the issues we're dealing with as well," she said. "And it's reassuring to hear about the future of aviation, and about the way he addressed those of us here who are at NPS as well."

Shoemaker offered advice to the audience of student officers, providing a road map for an effective way to promote — welcomed advice from Roush's perspective.

"The rigid promotion milestones we have to meet as aviators make it kind of difficult, especially for coming here," said Roush. "But I was offered this opportunity to come to NPS and get my master's degree, and they're trying to make as many positive trends as possible to allow us that flexibility."