Commander shadows AFE Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Fighter Wing commander learned the job duties of an aircrew flight equipment quality assurance evaluator from the 325th Operation Support Squadron Feb. 13.

Colonel Derek C. France, 325th FW commander, shadowed Staff Sgt. Phillip Boyd, 325th OSS AFE quality assurance evaluator, as part of the Airman Shadow Program.

Boyd, a Tuscaloosa, Ala. native, was chosen by his leadership to be shadowed and was excited to take on the task.

"My superintendent told me that I was chosen to be shadowed by the commander and that I was going to show him my job," said Boyd. "I enjoy telling and teaching people about AFE and explaining the importance of some of the very small things we do that you wouldn't think make a difference."

As a quality assurance evaluator, Boyd performs inspections within each AFE section. He also evaluates and ensures compliance within AFE areas of responsibility as an active member of the Wing Inspection Team and manages Time Compliance Technical Order programs to ensure satisfactory integration of AFE with aircrew recovery systems.

"I would say being an AFE technician can be very stressful at times, especially when dealing with pilots and their step times," said Boyd. "I have to ensure that Airmen in AFE are doing their job correctly and help them with technical questions when they arise. I would say the most stressful part of my job, is having to oversee so many programs as a one-man shop."

During the shadow, Boyd escorted France to Hangar 5 and the 43rd Fighter Squadron to observe some of the inspections he goes through. During this time Boyd explained what he looks for while evaluating Airman at the different shops.

"Colonel France was very interested and was asking questions about what I do, so it gave me a great chance to teach him about the great AFE program we have here at Tyndall," he said. "He was very easy-going and interested in our job and that made it very easy to talk to him. I feel he got a better understanding of how we keep watch over our program making sure we produce nothing less than the best quality product for the pilots here."

This was France's first shadow and it provided a different viewpoint for him.

"Participating in the Airman Shadow Program is a tremendous opportunity in that it gives me a chance to gain the perspective of where the rubber meets the road; Tyndall's hard-working Airmen," said France. "Seeing the dedication, pride, attention to detail and professionalism evident in the Aircrew Flight Equipment career field is truly inspiring. Sergeant Boyd, like so many of our individual Airmen in the 325th FW, is a key contributor in our mission to train and project combat airpower."

France was not the only one who took something out of the encounter, Boyd also learned from this unique experience.

"I think something I got out of this, was knowing that someone in a high leadership position is aware of what is going on in different units on the base," said Boyd. "He was asking question about the career field that I didn't expect, and it was great to know he was aware of these type of things. He told me it was great knowing that we have such a good program here, and that the program is good hands. It is remarkable when someone from that level gives you kudos for a job well done."