The Wingman concept from the sky

Published June 6, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR -- The wingman concept was displayed in full force when a KC-135 aircrew assisted an A-10 pilot on a flight home after a hydraulic malfunction May 22, 2014. The aircraft were flying in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command's area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jarrett Crawford, 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, deployed from the 906th Air Refueling Squadron at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and a native of San Diego, was part of the crew that was there to help communicate that an A-10 pilot was experiencing an emergency.

Crawford, a five-time deployer to AUAB said he is no stranger to the uncertainties that flying brings. Once he knew there was something wrong, Crawford said his initial reaction was surprise, then he and the KC-135 crew worked quickly to help endagered pilot.

"In the matter of 10 seconds, the A-10 pilot responded," said Crawford. "Stating that all right side hydraulics had been lost."

For Capt. Todd Walker, 340th EARS KC-135 pilot, Iowa native, this was his first time experiencing an emergency of this nature.

"Usually if we're being taught about emergencies," said Walker. "We are told to help each other out as best as we can."

Walker said during a deployment is where they usually learn about all of the typical emergencies.

Capt. Chris Miller, 340th EARS KC-135 pilot, San Antonio native, was in control of radio activity during the situation.

"I was the one who got on the radio with the air traffic control agencies," said Miller. "I let them know what the game plan was and was able to talk to Bagram (air traffic control) and declare the emergency and coordinate with other tankers in the area to clear space around us."

The glow of light from the refueler is what aided in leading the pilot to safety.

"We were able to offer to turn our lights up," said Crawford. "I watched him follow as we flew all the way back to his home base."

Crawford said he wanted to do whatever it was he had to do to help.

"I think my training was beneficial because I was able to use my resources," said Crawford. "The pilots, receiver, and I -- we figured out a plan and executed it."

Getting the job done expeditiously and efficiently is the goal, but that goal is not more important than the people who do it.

Knowing he was able to assist in guiding someone back to their base left an abiding impression on Crawford.

"It makes me feel good, and that's what we're out there for," said Crawford. "We're not just trying to get gas off, we're trying to be safe about it and make sure it ends well."

In the midst of the emergency, Capt. Patrick Glen, AFCENT A-10 pilot, didn't have time to thank the crew, but was sure to do so, as soon as time allowed.

"They helped me out," said Glen. "The pilot and his crew did what any good pilot and crew would do, and should do in that situation; be good wingmen."

Walker's reaction to Glen needing the guide home was instantaneous.

"Just follow us," said Walker.

"Pilots are trained to use the resources available," said Glen. "To give help when and where it's needed."

Lt. Col Van Thai, 340th EARS commander, expressed how critical it is to work together and how vital the aircrews' different duties are.

"The pilot team in the front relies and depends on the boom operator," said Thai. "It's a crucial member because the boom operator is the eyes and ears in the back."

The KC-135 aircrew agreed that they all had equal responsibility to the mission's success, and that even in the case of emergencies the show must go on.

"We were really relieved when we picked up and headed out of Bagram," said Crawford. "We actually listened and we were rooting for him all the way down."

"Then we went right back in the air and kept refueling," said Walker. "Went right back to our job."

What they do day in and day out is awesome, said Thai.

"Just another day's work out here," said Walker. "Every time I've been here, I get a little better at what I do."