23 aircrew members graduate

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  After spending nearly two years in training, the newest class of F-15E Strike Eagle pilots and weapon systems officers are ready to report to their first permanent duty station.

The 333th Fighter Squadron turned 23 fully-qualified Strike Eagle aircrew members over to the Air Force when Basic Course 10-ABE and 10-ATE graduated Aug. 28.

The journey to becoming a qualified aircrew member is not an easy one. The pilots began their training at one of four Undergraduate Pilot Training bases located at Vance AFB, Calif.; Laughlin AFB, Texas; Sheppard AFB, Texas; or Columbus AFB, Miss. The WSOs started their instruction at the Undergraduate Navigator Training Course at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. The aircrew members then had to attend an Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals at a UPT base. Finally, after being assigned to fly in the F-15E, each student reported to Seymour Johnson AFB. Once here, the WSOs completed their senior course and all students moved on to the F-15E B-Course.

In the F-15E B-Course, the students achieved many career milestones. During the fourth flight in the course they had their first crew solo; allowing student pilots and WSOs to fly together for the first time. They completed their first aerial refueling mission. In addition, they dropped their first munitions in the surface attack phase of their training.

"The biggest contributor to our class's successful completion of the program is hard work and keeping a balance between work, family and friends," said 1st Lt Kari Asai, a weapon systems officer. "There are guys in the class who have families and children, and I have nothing but respect and admiration for their ability to navigate this course while still maintaining their family life. While the mission is important, there's never any reason to ruin your life for it."

As the course's only female graduate, Lieutenant Asai wanted to let young girls know they should not let the fact aviation is a male-dominated field intimidate them from making it a career.

"Do not be afraid of pursuing a career in aviation," said the native of Vancouver, Wash. "It's very important to do what you love and if they want to fly then nothing should stop them."

In addition to personal drive and family support, Lieutenant Asai recognizes she and her fellow classmates owe a debt of gratitude to those on the flightline.

"Thank you to all of the maintainers and crew chiefs for all of their support throughout the last nine months," she said. "There is absolutely no way we could be graduating this month without their hard work- period."

Congratulations to the following B-Course 10-ABE and 10-ATE graduates who will move to their permanent duty stations after graduation or remain here with the 335th FS or 336th FS:
10-ABE graduates
1st Lt. Kari Asai
1st Lt. Richard Davis
1st Lt. Matthew Eichel
Capt. Ryan Geoffroy
Capt. Maxwell Harrell
Capt. Francis Imlay
1st Lt. Jason Israel
1st Lt. Eric Joachim
1st Lt. Casey Jones
1st Lt. David Jones
1st Lt. Jon Kaskela
Capt. Rory Klepper
1st Lt. Adam Luber
Capt. Kurt MacAloney
1st Lt. Donald Martin
Capt. Edemumo Oboho
1st Lt. John Peskar
Capt. Mark Prusinowski
1st Lt. Robert Russell
1st Lt. Craig Sanders
1st Lt. Jared Thibault

10-ATE graduates
Flight Lt. Michael Galton
Capt. Ronen Segal