NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.-When people think of the Air Force, thoughts of pilots flying, maintainers conducting systems checks and weapons loaders building bombs usually come to mind. All are pertinent to mission success, but just as important are the people who ensure pilots and maintainers have the resources necessary to fly, fight and win.
Behind the scenes of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, there are nearly 30 people directly supporting the Thunderbird mission.
Operations consists of seven enlisted members. "I build the demonstration schedule and work with each site to build an itinerary of events, while our logistics coordinator arranges airlift for our maintenance and support personnel," said Master Sgt. Joyce Langston, the team's air demonstration coordinator. "We also have two operations specialists who ensure pilot publications and itinerarie sare updated, and schedule air space for practices. Three life support specialists are assigned to operations, and are responsible for the upkeep of all flying equipment such as helmets, masks,harnesses, and G-suits. They also inspect parachutes and survival kits in ejection seats and provide extensive training to incentive, media and orientation flyers."
An officer and five enlisted specialists work in public affairs. "Showing America its Air Force isthe primary mission of the Thunderbirds," said Capt. Colleen Wise, the Thunderbirds public affairs officer. "I have two graphic artists who personally design and produce all promotional materials; two photogrpahers who document all squadron activities, provide images for publicity products; and a public affairs specialist who oversees an extensive media program."
A large portion of the media relations program involves orientation flights. Public affairs works extensively with operations, life support and maintenance to coordinate these flights. They are flown by the operations officer and advance pilot/narrator.
"I have a two-seat F-16D that we use for these flights," said Capt. Dan Torweihe, the team's advance pilot/narrator. "I use the aircraft to deploy with my advance crew chief a day ahead of the rest of the team. Together, we ensure everything is in place for the arrival, which includes everything from hotel rooms to maintenance equipment. After the team arrives, the operations officer and I conduct two media flights and I narrate the airshow."
In addition to media flights, the operations officer is responsible for pilot and crowd safety.
"When we fly an air demonstration, I control a portion of airspace that is five miles in radius and goes up to 15,000 feet above the ground," said Maj. Jim Harder. "If an aircraft encroaches in that airspace or there are people in our acrobatic box, I'll call off the air demonstration until the area is safe for us to fly in. I also critique the demonstrations and review the videotape of each performance with the demonstration pilots, showing them where I noticed discrepancies."
During an air demonstration, Harder and Torweihe work from a communications trailer located at show center. The squadron's communications flight consists of two ground radio and two video technicians who are responsible for the trailer. "Our video people record each air demonstration for debrief, critique, safety and historical record," said Ground Radio Technician, Sgt. Lisa Snyder. "Wekeep Major Harder in contact with the pilots and control tower, and oversee the sound system that Captain Torweihe uses for his narration."
The combat oriented supply organization ensures the Thunderbird team has all the assets necessary for mission accomplishment. "I have three supply specialists who order parts and equipment, and use all available means to get the items to the people who need them as quickly as possible," said Master Sgt. Darryl Garrett. "We're augmented by a group of aircraft maintainers who issue tools and maintain equipment for use by flight line personnel."
Nine people are assigned to the administrative support. "We have people working ininformation management, financial services and personnel," said Master Sgt. Mark Reid, the section's flight chief. "We're responsible for maintaining squadron records, tracking thousands of pieces of correspondence, hiring replacements for departing members, and overseeing the squadron's budget. During deployments, we arrange lodging and annotate demonstration performance for use in debriefs."
Overseeing the activities of administrative support is the executive officer. "I have an outstanding staff," said Capt. Patricia Thomas. "Colonel Andersen (Thunderbird commander/leader)travels with the team 210-220 days per year and I'm his representative at Nellis Air Force Base while he's away. We hand-pick self-starters who require little supervision, and this makes it easier for me to carry-out my duties."
The commander's liaison and representative for the enlisted force is the first sergeant. "As thecommander's eyes and ears, I must have my thumb on the pulse of this organization, so I can properly advise him on enlisted issues," said Chief Master Sgt. Mike Jarnegan. "Exhibiting the capabilities of modern high performance aircraft, and the high degree of professionalism it takes to maintain and operate these aircraft is the essence of the Thunderbird mission. My role is to help our maintenance and support personnel rise to their greatest potential."
"My team is a mirror-image of the every-day Air Force," said Lt. Col. Steve Andersen,Thunderbird commander/leader. Each person is an integral part of the Thunderbird mission, and likea puzzle, if one piece is missing, we are rendered ineffective."