ValkyrieAero LLC was established to provide Airshow and Exhibition Services utilizing one of the finest Navy T28 Trojans flying today. After an extensive six year ground up restoration requiring over 30,000 man hours, the Oshkosh award winning T28C Trojan was showcased in the airshow circuit for over 15 years by Herb Baker as "Herb and Ditto Smoke Ring Aerobatics". Herb developed, designed and installed the world's only wing tip smoke system providing wing tip vortices generated rings, donuts and keyholes. The resulting visual effects provided a dynamic backdrop for the unique aerobatic routine and became a favorite for spectators at airshows nationwide. Ditto (N661NA) has been renamed "Valkyrie", and will be flown in airshows and exhibitions, in addition to educational, historical and mentoring roles. As a retired Navy Commander and United Airlines Captain, CDR Dees has amassed over 20,000 hours total military and civilian flight time spanning 40 years. Returning to the first aircraft he flew in the United States Navy's Training Squadron 27, CDR Dees will continue the legacy of "Herb and Ditto" and the dedication to the preservation, history and enjoyment of the North American T28-C Trojan.

New Entrant Air CarrierExecutive Summary/Business Plan-Editing and analysis of Executive Summary and Business Plan. Primary areas of input and responsibility: Certification, Operations, Training, Safety and Security.Financial Analysis-Assisted development and completed research of dynamic Financial Plan, including analysis of: System Route Integration and Expansion, Consolidated Financial Projections, Aircraft Acquisition and Financing, Fuel Analysis. Detailed market and financial analysis of over 18,000 route segments encompassing five years of operation.Certification Plan-Managed development of Part 121 Certification Plan for new entrant airline. Development of certification timeline and financial projections. Extensive research of FAA ATOS/CSET certification criteria. Coordination with SME (Subject Matter Expert) for management of certification activities, processes and procedures.SMS (Safety Management System) Administrator responsible for development and implementation of comprehensive safety plan to include the four critical components of SMS: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion.

AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT TYPE RATED: B727, B737, B747, B757, B767, B777, A320.PILOT INSTRUCTOR, FAA DESIGNATED EXAMINER B777.

Completed Aviation Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Fl and commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy in 1979. Completed primary and advanced flight training in the T-28 Trojan and T-44 Pegasus, and designated a Naval Aviator after a record time of 8 months in Naval Air Training Command. Flew the P3 Orion as Aircraft Commander in worldwide operations, assigned to VP16, VP66, and VP67. Plank Owner assigned to Tactical Support Center 1079. Technical Projects Officer for USCINCPAC War Gaming/Simulation Facility. Retired from the United States Navy after serving as the Surveillance and Warning Tactical Applications Officer assigned to United States Space Command, Peterson AFB and Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center, Colorado. Held many positions of leadership in the Navy including Training Officer, Maintenance Officer, Safety/Natops Officer, Legal Officer, NAVAIRRESCEN Inspector General, and Executive Officer.As a Commander assigned to United States Space Command, was co-author of the DOD/United States Space Command “Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan”, member of the “Space Based Infrared System” Technical Review Team, and Editor of the “Space Lexicon”. While serving in these positions, awarded the "DEFENSE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL" by the Commander in Chief, United States Space Command.

Boeing 777 Pilot Instructor and FAA Designated Examiner.

Advanced Training Instructor Pilot

Full-time employment while attending University of Arkansas.