Commander shadows RAPCON 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 how the 325th Operation Support Squadron air traffic controller radar approach control watch supervisor does his job Feb. 7.

Col. David Graff, 325th FW commander, went to the RAPCON building where he met with Staff Sgt. Justin Sprayberry, 325th OSS ATC RAPCON watch supervisor, as part of the Airman Shadow Program.

"I think it is important for the commander to have the opportunity to come see some of the other career fields, their impacts to the mission and the local area," Sprayberry said. "I think it will make for an interesting trip. Normally, the ATC tower gets all the glory, so it should be intriguing for him to experience the other side of air traffic."

Sprayberry coordinates the safe and expeditious flow of air traffic. He traffics aircraft coming to Tyndall from different units, general aviation, airliners and all of the aircraft here.

"Air traffic has the potential to be extremely stressful and difficult at times," Sprayberry said. "The stress level is mainly dependent on traffic conditions, and the more you know the easier the job will become."

Sprayberry was the choice of Tech. Sgt. Joshua Myers, 325th OSS RAPCON watch supervisor, to be showed by the commander.

"He is an exceptional NCO on my crew," Myers said. "His work ethic and job performance make him an asset to the facility and unit."

The LaFayette, Ga. native, had a great experience showing the commander what he does on a daily basis, he said.
"Graff was easy to talk to. He was very focused and tuned in to what was going on and had some great questions about our operations," Sprayberry said. "Given his piloting background, it seemed easy for him to pick up on what was going on in a short amount of time."

Sprayberry added the following to his sentiment.

"He really cares about his Airmen and getting to know what they do in the comfort of their own environment," he said. "He was impressed with the operations we are responsible for."

The commander shadows an Airman from different units every month as part of the program.

"The shadow program is a valuable experience," Sprayberry added. "It's nice to know that someone is interested enough about an individual and their job to make a visit."