It runs in the family

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Sergio Gamboa | U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Randall W. Cason III, 337th Air Control Squadron Air Battle Manager, stands in front of an F-22 Raptor at the Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., flightline June 16, 2017. Air Battle Managers' primary responsibilities include providing command and control in the Battlespace and ensuring combat aircraft find, identify and destroy their targets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sergio A. Gamboa/Released)  

PANAMA CITY, FL, UNITED STATES

06.20.2017

Story by Senior Airman Sergio Gamboa 

325th Fighter Wing

One of the newest Air Force Air Battle Managers has this special bond with a fighter pilot, a bond 23 years in the making.
Second Lt. Randall W. Cason III, a recent 337th Air Control Squadron ABM graduate, had the opportunity to advise an F-22 pilot he’s known his whole life, his father Col. Randall W. Cason, 44th Fighter Group commander, during a training mission.
“I was slightly concerned, in that I hoped he did as well as I knew he could do, and a little bit nervous,” said Col. Cason about his son being his assigned ABM. “At the end, it was one of the best student control missions I have ever flown on.
“I had a big smile on my face the whole time,” he added.
Air Battle Managers at the 337th ACS learn a diverse set of skills allowing them to direct airborne assets across a widespread range of combat operations, playing a vital role in air missions.
“Things are not always as they appear, and he is a second set of eyes that is watching,” Col. Cason said about his son as an ABM. “I may think there is only two bad guys when there is actually four, and he will know that. He verifies and provides additional information that can be critical and key to the mission.
“In order to perform any type of mission that we perform, we always have to have an air battle manager helping us out. They are absolutely necessary for us to be successful,” he added.
Having a father who is a fighter pilot gives 2nd Lt. Cason an advantage few other ABMs have.
“If I need the pilot’s perspective do my job better I can always go to him for advice,” 2nd Lt. Cason said.
Growing up as a fighter pilot’s son was the coolest thing in the world to him, but being in the military wasn’t always on the back of his mind.
“It’s not what I wanted to do, but the older I got the more I realized it gave me direction and purpose; working for something bigger than yourself,” he said.
The biggest piece of advice 2nd Lt. Cason took to heart from his dad was to work hard, do your best and be a bro. Words he shares with others.
“Always strive for excellence and take your mistakes and learn from them. Do your best to help others,” he said.
Everything his father has done for him means the world to Cason and he is appreciative for all his father has done.
“I am where I am today because I’ve had you growing up,” 2nd Lt. Cason said with a smile as he glanced at his father. “You’ve been a leader in my life and someone who has pushed me to be the best that I can be. I appreciate it and I love you.”

• Date Taken: 06.20.2017
• Date Posted: 06.21.2017 12:33
• Story ID: 238657
• Location: PANAMA CITY, FL, US