Tech. Sgt. Asydance Turner, 908th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment assistant noncommissioned officer in charge of quality assurance, oversees program management and compliance within Aircrew Flight Equipment.
Turner was recently recognized as the 908th Flying Training Wing Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter for the 4th Quarter of 2025.
“It was a complete surprise,” said Turner. “I was really shocked when I found out because, to me, I was just doing my job.”
Turner became the first Aircrew Flight Equipment instructor to assist Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialists with water survival training. She then trained eight additional instructors, expanding the program’s capacity and helping equip 120 aircrew members with critical survival skills.
Her efforts also contributed to a 100% readiness rate for protective equipment, helping the unit reach optimal preparedness for fiscal year 2027 deployments a year ahead of schedule.
Turner serves as an Air Reserve Technician, a dual-status position that combines full-time federal civilian employment with military service in the Air Force Reserve. ARTs maintain simultaneous membership in the Reserve while performing their civilian duties in support of the Air Force mission.
For Turner, what became a potential Air Force career initially began as an opportunity to pursue her education.
As a first-generation college student, Turner joined the Air Force with the goal of taking advantage of its educational opportunities while working toward her aspiration of eventually becoming a doctor. As her career progressed, however, her reasons for serving evolved.
“What I didn’t anticipate was how much I would grow to appreciate the Air Force itself,” said Turner. “Over time, I fell in love with the structure, values, opportunities, and sense of purpose that come with serving. What initially started as a way to accomplish my educational goals ultimately became something I could see myself making a career out of.”
That growth has also translated into greater leadership responsibilities within AFE.
Transitioning into the assistant NCOIC of Quality Assurance role allowed Turner to move beyond technical proficiency and take greater responsibility for shop compliance and Airman development.
When the 908th FTW transitioned to the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, Turner identified an opportunity to improve training and continuity within the shop.
“I identified knowledge gaps when transitioning to the MH-139A helicopter,” said Turner. “To fix this, I implemented a quarterly rotation plan that not only reduced bottlenecks, but improved confidence in the mission. This initiative directly reinforced inspection standards, streamlined training, and ensured seamless continuity between full-timers and TRs.”
Outside of her military responsibilities, Turner enjoys traveling, fitness, attending concerts, spending time with friends and family, reading, and trying new recipes.
Her passion for travel began with an opportunity provided through her Air Force service. Her first international trip took her to Germany, an experience that sparked an interest in new places and cultures. She has also recently developed an interest in vlogging and hopes to document some of those experiences.
“Being a part of the Air Force means being a part of something greater than myself,” said Turner. “It has challenged me to grow personally and professionally, introduced me to people and experiences I may never have encountered otherwise, and given me opportunities that have shaped the person I am today.”
Looking to the future, Turner remains committed to building a lasting career in the Air Force, with a strong focus on developing herself both as an Airman and as a leader. She attributes much of her personal and professional growth to the diverse opportunities and experiences the Air Force has offered her.
“To me, serving also means continuously striving to become better—not only for myself, but for the people I work alongside and the mission we support,” said Turner. “I hope to continue making the Air Force a career, growing as an Airman and leader, and eventually earning a commission so I can serve and make an impact at an even higher level.”
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.16.2026 12:51 |
| Story ID: | 574880 |
| Location: | MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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