Tulsa Mayor Dewey F. Bartlett visits the 138th Fighter Wing

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Roberta A. Thompson | Tulsa Mayor Dewey F. Bartlett Jr. exhibits his reaction to an incentive flight on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at the 138th Fighter Wing, Tulsa, Okla., Dec 21, 2015. Bartlett’s incentive flight familiarized the mayor with a better understanding of the aircraft, its capabilities and the 138th FW mission. (U.S. National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Roberta A. Thompson/Released)  

TULSA, OK, UNITED STATES

12.21.2015

Story by Tech. Sgt. Roberta A. Thompson 

138th Fighter Wing

TULSA, Okla. - Tulsa Mayor Dewey F. Bartlett Jr. visited the Tulsa Air National Guard Dec. 21 for an incentive flight to gain an understanding of the mission, purpose and capabilities of the 138th Fighter Wing.

Bartlett experienced how different a fighter jet is compared to other aircraft in speed, power and maneuverability by running through a variety of different scenarios during his flight.

“I noticed you [mayor] were, just how neat the view was as we were inverted coming back down. It was a beautiful day for flying, very clear. That canopy with the visibility, just a bubble canopy, so you have don’t have any obstructions obstructing your view,” stated Maj. Nathan Garrett, 125th Fighter Squadron flight commander. “It offers a fantastic view. It’s a heck of a way to see the world.”

Bartlett is Tulsa’s 39th mayor and assumed office Dec. 7, 2009.

"It’s impressive the number of people it takes to support that aircraft and yourself. That’s what’s really amazing to me,” stated Bartlett. “Everybody has their job down, you ask a question and things are done. You can tell everybody is really proficient at what they do.”

When asked to sum up the day, Bartlett’s comment was, “Well, first thing is WOW! I mean it really was. It makes me very proud to have such a facility in Tulsa and it’s a real appreciation for what you all do out here. The experience of feeling that aircraft; it’s amazing, a 25-year-old aircraft and doing what it does. First of all, it shows maintenance out here is amazing, everything worked well. The power of that machine is unimaginable. I never ever would have had, I’ll probably never have an experience like that before or again. It’s amazing!”

• Date Taken: 12.21.2015
• Date Posted: 12.23.2015 08:44
• Story ID: 185227
• Location: TULSA, OK, US