Rock Solid Warrior

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Senior Airman Andrew Peterson, 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130 flight engineer, inspects the panels of the aircraft before take-off here Dec. 5. Once the pre-flight inspection is completed, Peterson calculates the take-off numbers for the pilots and runs a “before take-off” checklist for the pilots. Once it’s time for the aircrew to take off on the mission, the flight engineer sets the engine throttles to the proper settings and the plane takes off. Peterson is the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Rock Solid Warrior this week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Boutte)

Rock Solid Warrior: Senior Airman Andrew Peterson

Published Dec. 7, 2012
737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Rank/First & Last Name: Senior Airman Andrew Peterson

Deployed Unit: 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron / Operations

Duty Title: C-130 Flight Engineer (FE)

Home unit/station: 152nd Air Wing, Nevada Air National Guard - Reno, NV

Family's military heritage: My brother served in United States Air Force and my grandfather served in United States Army - Korea Conflict.

What is your mission here?
To support all AOR/OEF combat missions. Rapid mobility and cargo Lift.

What are some of the best parts of your mission?
I LOVE TO FLY and discovering new locations.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them?
Adapting to changes in day-to-day mission planning, especially as a new flyer and learning to overcome, adapt and remain flexible to change, i.e. load plans, MX issues or any other unforeseen circumstances.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?
Again, adapting to change to get the mission accomplished in real world contingency operations as opposed to a training environment.

How many times have you deployed?
This is my second deployment. My first deployment I was an MX maintainer.

What makes this deployment unique?
The incredibly nice living conditions and a very hospitable host nation.

Why did you join the Air Force?
I believe that this nation will not last, without citizens who are willing to serve to protect it. I think that my generation is one of the worst in history and I do not want to count myself among them. I am proud to be a part of the Air Force and will always be grateful for the training, pride and professionalism it has taught me.