Yes, a group of Kings Pointers gets selected for Naval Aviation every year.
The reason most people go to Kings Point is not to fly, but with guaranteed spots every year it is a little known access hatch into Naval Aviation. However, keep in mind you have to "play the game" and get through what is a very challenging program. That said, you get to spend a year at sea, which is more practical education than you can cram into the remaining 3 years in the classroom, you'll have more sea time than any of your friends at Canoe U- and on better ships. In return, you enjoy an 11 month academic year, no stipend, do-it-yourself everything, endless parades, horrible campus food, and beastly weather, all while taking credit loads that would send any "normal college" student fumbling for their Ritalin stash.
As for uniforms, it's a fair match to the Naval Academy with summer whites, winter blues, khakis, and those terrible winter working blues which make you depressed and irritable during the long, cold, New York winters (my solution? Go to sea!) On graduation day, >90% of your class will be wearing choker whites (Navy active and reserve commissions). A few will have a mix of Marine, Coast Guard, and even a couple of Army and USAF dress uniforms in the mainly Navy starch crowd. By default, you have to take a Navy Reserve commission as an ensign (Merchant Marine Reserve component) as payment for your education. It's actually a great deal for the guys who want to sail, but aren't into the military end of things.
Historically, Naval Aviation selects 10-20 in a class of roughly 200. In 2005 we graduated about 180, and 10 of us went Navy flight. That was the majority of applicants my class year. In fact, I only recall a couple of guys who didn't get it and both of them wound up going Marine Air- one is flying Hornets now. The rest of my buddies went into the Maritime industry. Most enjoy great lives and some are making salaries that make my head spin, but I still wouldn't trade places with any of them.
Bottom line: Kings Point is a great place to be from, and more than worth the experience. Even if Navy flight doesn't work out, you have a hell of a backup plan- everyone who applies themselves gets hired somewhere. I am damn glad to have gone there and gotten my degree and commission. If you ever have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.
-Sevenhelmet
USMMA class of 2005
