Airman of the Month Jet Launch program begins

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Peter Reft
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Senior Airman Diamond Thompson, a 354th Medical Group public health technician, found herself standing mere feet from an engine capable of producing 28,000 pounds of thrust and propelling a jet 1,500 miles per hour Nov. 6 at the 18th Aggressor Squadron aircraft hangars.

Thompson earned a 354th MDG Airman of the Month award and participated in the first Airman of the Month jet launch event, hosted by the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

"This program will help build morale and camaraderie between the organizations on base, allowing us to share what we do on a day-to-day basis with the folks who may not have any idea what the larger mission is at Eielson," said 1st Lt. Eric Millen, the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge.

Under the supervision of Senior Airman Andrew Ropp, a 354th AMXS F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft crew chief, Thompson received a first-hand experience of how the 18th AGRS prepare and launch for sorties.

"I've always wanted to come out to the flightline and ask the pilots what their jobs are like," said Thompson. "Doing this broadened my whole perspective of the Air Force."

Through their communication headsets, Ropp guided Thompson through each step of the startup sequence and helped her safely navigate the inspection route underneath the aircraft.

"It was interesting to have somebody not used to being in this environment and show her how we work," said Ropp. "It wasn't difficult at all to have her with me since we [crew chiefs] train together, tethered with Y-chords."

Thompson said she enjoyed participating in the jet launch.

"My favorite things were being right next to the jet firing up and especially when all the jets taxied out of the hangar," said Thompson.

18th AMU leaders said they look forward to continuing the Airman of the Month Jet Launch program.

"This bridges the gap between support and operations functions, allowing participants to get a good picture of how they play a key role in preparing our pilots and maintainers for mission success," said Millen.