The Long Blue Line (Winter 2021)
Quarterly magazine for retirees of the Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.
Quarterly magazine for retirees of the Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
In 2009, Bobby Charles Wilks passed away at<br />
the age of 78 and was laid to rest at Arlington<br />
National Cemetery. Wilks blazed a trail for<br />
people of color in the Service and helped steer<br />
the Coast Guard toward greater diversity in the<br />
late-twentieth century. Wilks continues to serve<br />
as an inspiration. In November 2011, Wilks Hall<br />
was dedicated at Aviation Training Center Mobile.<br />
Designed to house a world-class HC-144 pilot and<br />
sensor operator simulators, the building named in<br />
his honor is used to train over 80 percent of the<br />
Coast Guard’s pilots, and features state-of-the-art<br />
classrooms and a 70-seat auditorium.<br />
“This building and its location at the Coast Guard’s<br />
aviation center of excellence are most befitting<br />
CAPT Wilks’ accomplishments and will ensure<br />
his contributions are not forgotten,” said CAPT<br />
Steve Truhlar, Aviation Training Center Mobile’s<br />
commanding officer at the time. “His pioneering<br />
spirit and legacy will inspire young leaders for<br />
generations to come.”<br />
THE LONG BLUE LINE WINTER <strong>2021</strong><br />
29
Change language