Tyndall Reservist Back In Gear

Published Oct. 13, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Cody R. Miller
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- An Airman from the 44th Fighter Group keeps himself grounded with a passion for motorcycles.

Tech. Sgt. Steven Johnson, 44th FG aircraft armaments systems technician, helps keep Tyndall jets armed and ready, while fulfilling his love of riding and fixing motorcycles in his free time.

Johnson represents a small piece of the Total Force Integration puzzle, as he is an active-reserve technician who contributes to Tyndall’s overall mission.

As an aircraft armaments systems technician, Johnson is responsible for maintaining launch and release devices on aircraft. He ensures munitions and weapon systems can be accurately delivered from Tyndall’s fifth generation fighters. From testing and evaluating new weapons systems to loading ordnance, his job makes sure that when a pilot pulls the trigger, the weapons are on target.

“I supervise the Airmen who perform maintenance on the aircraft suspension equipment,” Johnson said. “The equipment that holds the weapons systems requires a lot of attention to detail and we make sure all of it is in working order for the F-22 Raptor. It feels pretty great to be able to say that the gun or missile on the jet fired correctly and successfully, thanks to the maintenance that we did.”

Johnson grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, and later moved to Twentynine Palms, California.

“I enjoyed Mississippi a lot,” Johnson said. “I loved to swim, and I actually grew up down the street from where Elvis Presley grew up. Once I moved to Twentynine Palms, I saw a lot of the Marines and Navy personnel around the area. My parents were in the military so I got to live on base and experience what the military family is like. I really valued the stability that the military gave and I feel like it is what made me want to join later on.”

As an active-reserve Airman, Johnson said that he takes great pride in supporting his active-duty counterparts.

“We always have the active-duty Airmen’s back,” Johnson said. “Our job down here is to backfill the manning for the 95th Fighter Squadron, whether weapons personnel or crew chiefs, we help make the mission happen.”

Johnson plays an important role in his office as a floor chief for his shop.

“I’ve had a great experience working with him,” said Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Story, 44th FG Armaments Flight chief and Johnson’s supervisor. “He’s very knowledgeable about the work we do here, and as a floor supervisor, he is relied upon heavily by the active-duty element in the shop. Whether they’re deploying with the active guys or just supporting them at home, I believe active-reserve technicians like Johnson will only continue to play a bigger role in the Air Force.”

Johnson was active-duty for over 11 years before transitioning to the Air Force Reserve.

“I had some disciplinary actions early in my career which led to me getting out,” Johnson said. “The Total Force Integration has allowed me a second chance at wearing the uniform with pride and serving my country full-time. It’s given me a fresh start.”

When not on the job, Johnson’s maintainer roots still shine through with his passion for motorcycles. Johnson said that when he’s fixing or riding his bike, he’s relaxed and at peace.

“I love getting out in the garage and working on my motorcycles,” Johnson said. “I do a lot of bike work and riding. If I had the money to retire tomorrow and never work again, I would just ride my bike every day, all day.”

Johnson said he originally got into motorcycles to save money on gas.
“Before the gas prices went up I was into sports cars,” Johnson said. “But once that went up I got into bikes and realized how fun they were. I’m not the type of person to buy a Prius, so having a bike was the next best thing. I’ll ride my bike even if there is a chance of rain. To me if there is a 40 percent chance of rain, then there is a 60 percent chance that I won’t get wet on my bike. When I’m riding I get to just focus on the road and be at ease with life. I love how immersive the ride is.”

“I love getting going out in the garage and wrenching on my equipment,” Johnson said. “I’m a maintainer by heart so it really resonated with me when I’m in the guts of one of my bikes.”