Shaw honorary commanders meet the Reaper (crew)

Published June 28, 2022
By Staff Sgt. Kelsey Owen
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --

Members of the Shaw Air Force Base Honorary Commander Program visited the 482nd Attack Squadron for an immersion tour on June 22.

The 482nd ATKS Airmen highlighted the remotely piloted aircraft mission at Shaw and it's unique abilities and challenges, it's history in the U.S. Air Force, and learn about honorary commanders role in the community.

“Building relationships between the local community and military presence is crucial,” said Capt. Andrew, 482nd ATKS MQ-9 Reaper pilot. “Understanding what each team provides and how they can help creates a stronger environment where each party can focus on how they are able to better assist the other.”

Tina McKiethan, 77th Fighter Generation Squadron honorary commander, listens to a briefing about the 482nd Attack Squadron (ATKS) mission during an immersion tour at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 22, 2022. The tour gave 482nd ATKS Airmen the chance to talk about their job and the history of remotely piloted aircraft in the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Owen)

U.S. Air Force Major Daniel, 482nd Attack Squadron (ATKS) director of operations, center, gives a mission briefing to honorary commanders during an immersion tour at Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), S.C., June 22, 2022. The tour gave 482nd ATKS Airmen and honorary commanders the opportunity to meet and learn about each other’s role in the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Owen)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Logan, MQ-9 Reaper pilot, right, directs Tina McKiethan, 77th Fighter Generation Squadron honorary commander, center, in a simulator during an immersion tour at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. June 22, 2022. MQ-9 operations are split into two components: the pilot, who sits on the left and controls the aircraft, and the sensor operator, who sits on the right and controls targeting systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Owen)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Caspar, 482nd Attack Squadron MQ-9 Reaper sensor operator, right, directs Jim McCain, 20th Operations Group honorary commander, in a simulator during an immersion tour at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 22, 2022. Operating the simulator gives guests an opportunity to experience firsthand what MQ-9 crews do every day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Owen)

The tour lasted two hours and included a mission brief and chance to operate the MQ-9 simulator as a pilot or sensor operator, giving the visitors a firsthand look what MQ-9 crews do every day.

“Any chance that I get to come out to Shaw to meet our service members and learn about what they do is always really special to me,” said Tina McKiethan, 77th Fighter Generation Squadron honorary commander. “I look forward to doing it again.”

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