ST. CROIX -- Being able to pilot a plane to his hometown is a childhood dream come true for Theodore Prince, a St. Croix native and St. Joseph Catholic High School graduate.
He’s always been “so close and yet so far,” Mr. Prince told VIC Thursday, considering that St. Thomas has been a Spirit destination for the past 12 years. After 10 years of working for Spirit, Mr. Prince finally got to pilot the airline’s inaugural flight to St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
To heighten the nostalgia, the airport is the very place he began his aviation career more than 20 years ago.
“It’s spectacular,” Prince said, describing the feeling. “This is something I always dreamt of doing as a kid.”
After the flight, Prince could be seen hugging and catching up with old friends who’d brought a huge placard, which read: “V.I. Strong. Crucian Pride. Capt. Prince. Welcome Home.”
Friends and loved ones weren’t the only ones who felt proud. Senator Kurt Vialet expressed patriotic feelings during a press conference following the inaugural flight.
“I was just so honored and privileged to fly on a plane with a Crucian flying an inaugural flight into St. Croix.”
The senator’s comments were followed by a round of applause.
Feature Image: Spirit Captain Theodore Prince, a St. Croix native, gets reacquainted with old friends (Wyndi Ambrose, VIC)
