Photo By Tech. Sgt. Franklin Ramos | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tim Jaskot, 58th Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster,...... read more read more
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The aircrew consisted of both C-17 pilot and loadmaster instructors from the 97th AMW.
“Team Altus is here supporting the Stuart airshow. We got a static display on the ground that we are not going to be flying but it’s a chance for us to open up the aircraft,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Murri, 58th Airlift Squadron instructor pilot. “Obviously the inside is very big so a lot of people can filter in through the back and get a good look of what the inside of the jet looks like. Let them up into the cockpit and sit in the seats and just see what it’s like to fly a big jet like this”
With the 97th AMW being the sole school house for training all C-17 aircrew, the airshow provided instructors the opportunity to educate attendees on the aircrafts capabilities and their mission of training.
“Altus AFB is the formal training unit, we call it the school house its where all the C-17 pilots across the U.S. wherever their stationed, they come to Altus to train to learn how to fly the C-17,” said Murri. “This is where all the instructors’ pilots and instructor loadmaster are all stationed so it’s a chance for us as instructor pilots to interface with the public and to show them what the C-17 is all about”
“In Altus it’s all training for C-17 aircrew to fly cargo around the world which is kind of direct on the mission of taking the fight to the bad guy,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. T.C. Sudduth, 58th AS instructor loadmaster.
Having C-17 aircrew experts onboard makes it easier to help educate the public about the aircraft and its mission in the U.S. Air Force.
“The first thing people see is obviously how massive the jet is, but when they get inside it’s fun to watch their faces because their eyes light up, they got a big smile on their face and theyre just looking at all the wires and pieces [inside],” said Murri. “Then they get to go up into the cockpit and the number one question that we always get is ‘Do you guys know what all these buttons do?’ The answer is yes we know what all of them do.”
“I think it’s cool because it’s large enough to carry vehicles as well as personnel, so it’s good at what it’s designed to be doing. I think it’s really a big attraction for the kids to see,” said Danielle Tufano, an air show attendee. “You don’t think that military aircraft are this large until you see them on the tarmac, so it’s cool to get an up close and personal view of what the military has.”
Participating in events, such as the Stuart Air Show, provides military members an opportunity to engage with local citizens and strengthen the relationships between military and non-military organizations.
“It’s a chance for the public to come out and see the jet, see the awesome capabilities and for us to kind of speak to that a little bit. I think that’s important to a lot of people,” said Murri. “We get a lot of veterans that come buy and want to tell us their war stories which is fun for us to hear. It really allows us to interface which we don’t get to do on a day-to-day basis with the general public.”
The C-17 static display is also a great opportunity for individuals wanting to become a USAF pilot or loadmaster and gain insight on these specific career fields.
“I enjoy this. I think this is the future of the Air Force,” said Sudduth. “You’re going to see a lot of young people join our Air Force and a good positive influence would be great to help our recruitment. I think that’s important.”
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2016 10:10 |
| Story ID: | 214133 |
| Location: | ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, OK, US |
| Web Views: | 171 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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