18th Aggressors' Honorary Commander takes flight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  An Honorary Commander experienced the thrill of riding in the backseat of an 18th Aggressor Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon here Sept. 30.

Ryan Binkley, son of John Binkley, chairman and chief executive officer of the Riverboat Discovery tour company, is a long-time Fairbanks community member and current 18th AGRS honorary commander. The Binkley Family has continually played an important role in the development of Fairbanks and surrounding areas.

"We support Eielson -- the military in general -- as much as we can," said Binkley. "The military plays a large role in our community, both for the state and for our local community."

"We want to make sure that folks here feel welcomed," he added.

At first glance, there would not seem to be a direct link between Eielson and Binkley; however, each year this Air Force base welcomes numerous people to its gates and the surrounding community.

According to Binkley, he understands Fairbanks is not always the most welcoming place -- at least not during the cold and dark winters -- this is why he and his family try to make the transition a little easier for Airmen and their families. And with 26 miles between Eielson and Fairbanks, relying on the hospitality of friendly neighbors is one way to make everyone feel right at home.

The Honorary Commander's program is one of many ways Airmen and community members interact. As part of the program, Honorary Commanders are encouraged to take part in on-base activities, and a lucky few may even get the opportunity to experience a flight in one of Eielson's Aggressor aircraft.

"I didn't know what to expect or what the program was all about," said Binkley.

The program paired him with Lt. Col. Todd Emmons, 18th AGRS commander, where he even got a chance to see first-hand what Eielson's mission is all about.

"It was unbelievable to see it all in motion," he said. "I got a real sense of the incredible effort that it takes to get aircraft into the air and maintain them in these extreme weather conditions."

For some, the chance to fly in an F-16 is often only a childhood dream, but for others like Binkley -- also a licensed pilot --the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is real.

"It's something I am going to remember for the rest of my life," said Binkley.