User:Sandman1950

'''LT.Commander Santiago P Rosell was amongst the first Cuban Aviators assigned to the United States Navy

Santiago Rosell was born in Habana, Cuba and raised in Miami, Florida. He attended Christopher Columbus high school and conducted his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He also completed his postgraduate education at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Communication.

After earning his college degree Mr. Rosell applied for and was selected to attend Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. From Pensacola he attended flight school and qualified in several jet aircraft to include the McDonnell Douglas A-4J Skyhawk and carrier qualified aboard the USS Lexington.

Mr. Rosell resigned his commission in 1979 and received an Honorable Discharge in order to pursue his interest in commercial aviation. After returning to Miami, he promptly earned his flight instructor ratings and performed a variety of pilot services, which included primary flight instruction, charter pilot and international cargo operations. His aeronautical experience includes military training, Airline Transport Pilot ratings in both fixed wing and rotorcraft plus, extensive experience in dealing with the Federal Aviation Administration as the Director of Flight Operations for an FAR Part 135 Air Carrier.

In 1981, while employed by International Flyers, Inc., he was recruited by Mitsubishi Aircraft International to serve as Chief Pilot for United Medical Corporation in Orlando, Florida. With this company, Mr. Rosell established a charter company named Venture Airways, which provided executive charter services, priority cargo, aerial photography, aircraft management and air ambulance services. During his tenure he was promoted to Vice President and Director of Flight Operations plus, he is credited for transitioning the company from a one-airplane operation to a multi aircraft company including jet and helicopter services.

His management experience includes the administration of most every aspect of corporate aviation. His duties included aircraft acquisition, financing, personnel, budget projections, cost management, marketing and supervision of aircraft maintenance. In addition, Mr. Rosell’s international experience includes flight operations in Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. Mr. Rosell is presently employed by A-O.K. Jets as the Chief Pilot for the John W. Henry & Company and Boston Red Sox baseball team. He supervises the operation of a Falcon 900 and a Bell 430 helicopter. Flight operations include domestic and international destinations. His responsibilities include the management of company aircraft and personnel, standardization of the flight crews, supervising maintenance and flying the company’s aircraft.