Commander shadows 325th MXG Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Class Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Fighter Wing commander learned the duties of a 325th Maintenance Group Airman June 27, as part of the Airman's Shadow program.

Colonel David E. Graff, 325th FW commander, shadowed Staff Sgt. Kyle Larson, 325th Maintenance Squadron precision guided munitions crew chief, while he performed his daily responsibilities at the 325th MXG.

"We showed the commander from start to finish what is required to convert a missile from a tactical configuration to telemetry configuration," said Sergeant Larson. "Tyndall is the only base DOD wide that trains pilots to fire live air-to-air missiles. We were proud to show him how much effort is required on every missile build; that he is responsible for the United States Air Force storage of munitions; that he supports approximately 30 F-22 Raptors and storage for 49 custody accounts from three major commands."

In addition to reconfiguring missiles, Sergeant Larson is a role model in his shop.

"Staff Sgt. Larson is truly a leader amongst his peers who teaches the younger Airmen in the shop to always look for ways to improve the mission, put safety first and ensure the job gets done correctly," said Tech. Sergeant Travis Baune, 325th MXS Sergeant Larson's supervisor. "In August 2012, he was recognized as the 2011 DOD-wide AIM-9X Cutting Edge Award recipient, which showcases his expertise on the AIM-9X missile system."

During the Airman Shadow, he was able to display his hard working character.

"It's a humbling feeling really," Sergeant Larson said. "It puts in to perspective how important your job is to the mission. Getting to talk with Colonel Graff, he has been around missiles on the flight line his entire career. I'm sure he gained an appreciation for what we do as a shop and the amount of time involved in every missile build. It's great that Col. Graff took the time out of his schedule to turn a wrench!"

The Airman's Shadow program is a 325th FW commander program designed to recognize 325th FW personnel. The program provides an opportunity for the commander to meet with the Airmen and get a first-hand look at what Tyndall Airmen are doing.