NAS Pensacola Names 10-Year Old Cancer Patient As Commanding Officer

October 9, 2019

NAS Pensacola made a young man commanding officer Tuesday afternoon as he continues his battle with cancer.

Kohlton James, 10, visited NAS Pensacola and was named commanding officer for the afternoon.

“Skipper” Kohlton was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 2 and battled it for seven years. Kohlton was cancer free for 10 months before it returned.

He is about to begin chemotherapy and is determined to beat it again.

His dream is to join the military and be a pilot. Capt. Tim Kinsella Jr., commanding officer, gave Kohlton a NAS Pensacola hat with his new call sign, “Iron Man,” and a set of aviation wings.

He was also given a signed photograph from the Blue Angels and was driven to the National Naval Aviation Museum in a police car. At the museum, he had a party with his friends and got to pose for a photograph in front of the F4U Corsair aircraft his great grandfather actually flew in World War II.

Base officials said they look forward to the day Kohlton returns to NAS Pensacola to become a Navy pilot.

Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

9 Responses to “NAS Pensacola Names 10-Year Old Cancer Patient As Commanding Officer”

  1. William Trawick on October 13th, 2019 9:41 am

    Awesome story of a courageous young man. God bless and don’t give up hope.

  2. dreadpirateroberts on October 10th, 2019 7:52 am

    this story rocks. Best wishes, young man!

  3. Melvin holland on October 9th, 2019 6:26 pm

    May the angels in heaven guide this young man to the Lord for healing . thanks to everyone for making his wish come true

  4. Mark Watford on October 9th, 2019 5:01 pm

    Thanks NAS for recognizing my grandson Kohlton James as he battles this ugly unwanted disease. Kohlton is a strong little man focused on fighting this disease and helping others along the way faced with similar health issues. The James Team family and friends continue to pray for a cure so Kohlton…one day, can become a Navy Pilot like his great grandfather.

  5. Jim and Terry Kash on October 9th, 2019 12:22 pm

    We have known Kohlton since our son became an Uncle to Kohlton when he married his aunt when he was first diagnosed. Kohlton is a remarkable young man, a true warrior in how he has dealt with this disease. He is kind to everyone, even to children who are not kind to him. We are so impressed with the way you all made him feel as special as he is.

  6. Jackie Johnson on October 9th, 2019 10:26 am

    Thank you Capt. Tim Kinsella, Jr., for making this day possible for Kohlton. We have prayed and followed this young man during his battle with cancer. Thank you also, Military Police for your participation to Kohlton’s day.

  7. Lifendason on October 9th, 2019 8:41 am

    BZ!! Everyone!

    Praying for this young man and his family.

  8. DENNIS on October 9th, 2019 8:28 am

    So Cool. Look forward to seeing this young man come through the Pilot Pipeline…

  9. War Eagle on October 9th, 2019 8:24 am

    Good Luck young man in all your wishes.