SAVANNAH, Ga. – One has been in the U.S. Air Force for less than two years and the other enlisted more than 30 years ago in 1983; however, Airman 1st Class Rachael Allen and Master Sgt. Kennard Hughes, share a common goal: to help ensure the success of the D.C. Air National Guard flying mission during Sentry Savannah 2014.
Allen, an airfield manager, and Hughes, an aviation resource manager, are currently deployed here from the 113th Wing of Joint Base Andrews, Md., to support the monthlong flying exercise Sentry Savannah at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center.
During this exercise, F-16C pilots of the 113th Wing engage in aerial engagement scenarios alongside multiple aircraft from different active duty and ANG units to better equip themselves for real-world events. It is up to airmen like Hughes and Allen to support the pilots to help see the mission through.
“I have only been in the military for less than two years, but I’ve already learned quite a lot,” said Allen. “I am excited to work with everyone in the wing and especially those that have been doing this job for awhile.”
Hughes, on the other hand, has held five different Air Force Specialty Codes, including a stint as an airfield manager himself. Excited to share his experiences with newer enlistees such as Allen, he sees his role as a mentor and educator. He also views the exercise here as a way to help airmen understand the big picture and how each individual plays a critical role in the success of flying missions.
“Training exercises like this really help us to prepare for future engagements, such as overseas deployments,” said Hughes. “If you add in my experience from deployments to Brazil, Argentina and Alaska, I think working with these younger airmen is very beneficial to their growth in the Air National Guard.”
As one of two airfield managers supporting the exercise from the 113th Wing, Allen knows she has a sizable task ahead of her. However, with the support of experienced senior noncommissioned officers like Hughes, her confidence level to complete the mission is high.
“This is truly a great opportunity and something a lot of people my age would never have a chance to do,” she said. “I am thankful for people like Sergeant Hughes who have helped make my first temporary duty assignment a fun and exciting time.”
Date Taken: | 02.13.2014 |
Date Posted: | 02.13.2014 16:41 |
Story ID: | 120596 |
Location: | SAVANNAH, GA, US |
Web Views: | 312 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Generations apart, SNCO and airman learn from each other during Sentry Savannah, by SMSgt Craig Clapper, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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