A Rock Solid Warrior

Senior Airman Tyler (last name withheld) is a RPA operator with the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, undisclosed location, Southwest Asia. He has been named as the Rock Solid Warrior for this week from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. This is the Illinois native's second deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Christopher A. Campbell)

Rock Solid Warrior: Senior Airman Tyler

Published Dec. 7, 2013
46th Expeditionary Reconnasissance Squadron

SOUTHWEST ASIA --
Rank/First & Last Name:
SrA Tyler (Last Name Withheld)

Deployed Unit:
46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron

Duty Title:
RPA Operator

Home unit/station:
432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing/Creech Air Force Base.

What is your mission here?
My job is to safely launch and recover the MQ-1B Predator Remote Piloted Aircraft.

What are some of the best parts of your mission?
The best part of the mission is the opportunity for training with live ordinance.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them?
Landing this aircraft is extremely difficult and as a crew member it takes a lot of focus and the ability to remain calm during emergency situations.

How many times have you deployed?
This is my second deployment. My first deployment was to Afghanistan.

What makes this deployment unique?
This deployment is not necessarily about direct combat but the ability to be prepared for any conflict that may occur.

Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined to serve my country and gain a valuable skill set that I wouldn't have been able to develop without the Air Force.