Leadership at altitude: Top enlisted service member visits 459th Wing

Photo By Airman 1st Class Gianluca Ciccopiedi | Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, left, observes 756th Air Refueling Squadron pilots during an orientation flight over Ohio, March 19, 2024. The flight offered Black a firsthand experience of the 459th Air Refueling Wing’s mission, emphasizing the importance of aerial refueling operations and facilitating direct engagement with the wing’s Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gianluca Ciccopiedi)  

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, UNITED STATES

03.19.2024

Story by Airman 1st Class Gianluca Ciccopiedi 

316th Wing

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. — The 459th Air Refueling Wing hosted the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, for an air refueling orientation flight, March 19, 2024.

The flight offered Black a firsthand experience of the 459th Air Refueling Wing’s mission, providing a comprehensive view of aerial refueling operations critical to U.S. military efforts. It featured eight F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard, refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 756th Air Refueling Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, Md., underscoring the importance of interoperability and collaboration across different units and geographical locations.

After the flight, Black spoke with Airmen from the 459th Air Refueling Wing, where he offered advice about their professional development, their role in the Joint Force and the importance of preparing as a warfighter.

• Date Taken: 03.19.2024
• Date Posted: 03.26.2024 15:22
• Story ID: 467064
• Location: JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, US