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Second iteration of Royal Air Force pilots enter Thunder Lab

  • Published
  • By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Vladimir Potapenko
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing
KABUL, Afghanistan --  Continuing the tradition of Royal Air Force influence in the Afghan Air Force Thunder Lab, Flight Lieutenants John Parry and Dean Curt recently joined the AAF's only English language immersion program designed to prepare the "future eagles" of the Afghan Air Force awaiting pilot training.

"Dean and John will have the opportunity to really shape the Thunder Lab Lieutenants experience and training preparation," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Howard, the officer-in-charge of the Thunder Lab, who is originally from Alexandria, Va. and currently stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California. "They will be fully immersed with the Afghan Lieutenants and will have the unique opportunity to learn and experience the Afghan culture. In addition, Dean and John can provide a different perspective on flight operations, western cultural and language to the Afghan Lieutenants. I think it's a win-win scenario for all involved."

Only the second pair of RAF pilots to move into the Thunder Lab, Parry and Curt appreciate the uncommon experience that eating, training and living with AAF Airmen provides.

"The word 'unique' is what comes to my mind most," said Curt. "This is something new, something we're doing that not many people have had the chance to do yet. It is just something extraordinary, really."

Curt is scheduled to spend three months living at the Thunder Lab, with Parry scheduled for two. During this time, the duo hopes to improve the English language skills of the Afghan lieutenants living at the Thunder Lab and better expose them to the world of aviation.

"Hopefully, we will work closer with the flying squadrons and get the (Afghan) lieutenants more time in the air," said Parry.

Though brought into Afghanistan as a tool in the development of young Afghan officers, Parry and Curt believe that there is much that they can take away from the experience.

"I grew up overseas and spent a lot of time overseas, so traveling and meeting new people and understanding new cultures is something that I enjoy doing," said Parry.

"This is also a case where we can use the ideas that we gain here back home. Any information that we gain can be used as a head start for people who come out here from now on," said Curt.

Yet regardless of what they will be able to bring back with them to the UK, Lt. Col. Howard is excited about what the RAF pilots have brought with them to Afghanistan.

"The two RAF flight lieutenants bring a new energy and enthusiasm for the Thunder Lab. They are highly motivated and are actively engaged with the Afghan lieutenants," said Howard.