Pittsburgh native deploys, keeps warfighter fueled

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Denoris Mickle | U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker pilot Lt. Col. Sue Doherty of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, from the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, conducts a preflight inspection before refueling operations over Afghanistan Jan. 22, 2012. Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadrons conduct refueling missions to various Defense Department combat air assets.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

02.01.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Sara Keller 

United States Air Forces Central     

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Lt. Col. Susan Doherty, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot and aircraft commander with the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, recently deployed from the 171st Air Refueling Wing out of Pittsburgh, Pa., Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

Doherty, a Pittsburgh native, deployed to the 340th EARS, with a boom operator and fellow KC-135 pilot, also from the 171st ARW.

Several times a week, the team of three flies on a KC-135 throughout their assigned area of responsibility where they refuel several types of aircraft from A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to C-17 Globemaster IIIs.

“The 340th EARS’ mission is to refuel North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO aircraft that support the troops in the ground,” said Doherty.

Doherty’s responsibilities as a pilot is to fly safely and effectively while her boom operator refuels other aircraft in flight.

“I’m proud to serve my country and be a part of the mission that brings freedom to Americans,” she said. “I’m also very fortunate to be working with a great crew of traditional guardsman.”

Just as Doherty is grateful to have an excellent team to work with, her hard work and dedication never goes unnoticed by her fellow "Yinzers," or Pittsburghers.

“We all work together for a common goal,” said Master Sgt. James Perrott, boom operator with the 340th EARS. “They realize what is needed to be successful and help accomplish it. We have the best crew in all of the AOR.”

When Doherty isn’t working as a pilot for the U.S. Air Force and refueling aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, she is a full time pilot for FedEx.

• Date Taken: 02.01.2012
• Date Posted: 02.01.2012 02:44
• Story ID: 83106
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)