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Captain's first deployment during Bomber Task Force Mission
Senior Airman Taylor Hunter
Andersen Air Force Base, Guam – As a group of more than 200 Airmen landed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and began set-up for a Bomber Task Force mission, one Air Force captain arrived with eyes wide open and ready to grow with her unit.
Capt. Autumn Gilson, 343rd Bomb Squadron weapons systems officer, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived in Guam on her first mission with the Pacific Air Forces’ Bomber Task Force. While this BTF operates out of Andersen in support of the PACAF mission, BTF missions take place world-wide to enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe.
“Essentially, we are like a cover force,” said Gilson. “We are here to show other countries that we are present and capable of operating any theater.”
Gilson learned the importance of her own preparedness, as well as others, during this deployment.
“I learned that it's important for every person on the crew to be an expert in their own field.” said Gilson. “I'm a new air crew member, so just knowing that you can't train for every situation and therefore knowing your systems is important.”
Gilson explained that having a solid foundation enables Airmen to execute the mission as situations arise.
“You can't just expect someone to know what to tell you,” Gilson said. “You have to know it yourself and be confident about your answers. That way when something comes up, I can tell them what happened, and they can trust me.”
When Gilson first arrived at Andersen Air Force Base, she was stunned by the change in pace, mentality and atmosphere. She also noted a difference in the ratio of servicemembers.
“A lot of the briefings and visibility are very high up the command chain,” Gilson said. “People are definitely paying attention to what we're doing while we're out here.”
Not only did her environment shift, but she also noticed how simple things she was accustomed to were different. /limited time away from co-workers brought a new understanding to the phrase ‘military family’ for Gilson.
“Some of the challenges of being deployed mainly are just the difference in things you are used to at home,” Gilson said. “For example, you're around co-workers more. People can get on each other’s nerves, but you work through it all to complete the mission.”
Gilson sees this opportunity as an eye-opener beyond the norms of flying operations, as well as an opportunity for career broadening and enhancement.
“I think it's important to operate out of places that aren't home because you get so used to doing the same things,” Gilson said. “I definitely think it's important to go new places and execute the mission.”
For Gilson, this deployment motivated her for the future.
“I’m definitely excited about future deployments!” Gilson said. “With this model of going somewhere for a month, we can really get our feet under us. This way, we can go somewhere and know that if we ever had to go to war, we could go to multiple theaters, accomplish the mission, and be ready to go.”
| Date Taken: | 09.20.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.07.2021 21:40 |
| Story ID: | 406592 |
| Location: | ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GU |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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