LTJG Daniel G. Alcantor, the son of Robert and Tammy Alcantor of Escalon, recently received his golden wings, becoming a Naval Aviator.
A 2012 graduate of Escalon High School, Alcantor continued his education at the United States Naval Academy. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering with a focus in rotary wing aircraft. Following graduation and receiving his Naval Commission, he reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API).
His path continued, as he reported for Primary Flight Training at NAS Corpus Christi in December 2016 with Training Squadron VT-27. Upon selection into the Navy’s Strike Flight Training program, Alcantor went to NAS Kingsville, TX to begin training in May 2018 with VT-22.
“It was my sincere pleasure to issue your son, Daniel, his well-earned pilot “Wings of Gold” on 31 May 2019,” his Training Air Wing Two commander, Captain Richard Rivera, wrote in a letter to parents Robert and Tammy Alcantor. “You should be justifiably proud of him. He has met the highest physical, mental, and moral standards demonstrating the determination, competitiveness, motivation, and leadership qualities so necessary to be a Naval Aviator.”
The Winging Ceremony in Kingsville, Texas on May 31 saw a large contingent there to support Alcantor. Among them were: parents Robert and Tammy Alcantor, brother Andrew Alcantor, grandparents John and Sandra DeWinkle, Bob and Janice Alcantor, uncle and aunt Rodney and Laura Alcantor, aunt Denise Alcantor, cousins Daniel and Samantha Metts and their children, Kinsley, Teagan and Beau.
“Daniel Metts is in the Air Force and wore his uniform to honor our Daniel,” Tammy Alcantor noted.
Also in attendance were John and Colleen Williams with daughters Madeline and Cora Williams.
“They were Daniel’s sponsor parents at the Naval Academy his first year,” Tammy explained. “They moved from Maryland to New York and are now in Texas. Daniel has spent all but one Thanksgiving with their family. The two daughters call him “their” Daniel.”
For his part, Alcantor offered thanks to his “parents, family, and friends for their support and encouragement” throughout his journey.
