Bio: Wirtala, David A. – 2nd Lt. (Flight Training – 1969)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Wirtala

---------Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 01 May 1969

Pensacola, Florida – Marine Second Lieutenant David A. Wirtala, son of Mrs. Vendla S. Wirtala of route 1, Withee (Clark Co., Wis.), made his six arrested carrier qualification ladings aboard the USS Lexington in the Gulf of Mexico.

Prior to making the landings at sea, aviators are required to qualify on field carrier landing strips which simulate, on the ground, a carrier's flight deck. Her the student adjusts himself to the restricted areas where eh must land at sea.

He is currently undergoing flight training with Training Squadron Five at Naval Air Station at Pensacola, Florida.