USAF Weapons School Graduation


United States Air Force Weapons School Graduation at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, December 10, 2020

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Transcript

Yeah. What? Good afternoon graduates, commanders, superintendents and all those who can’t be in attendance with us today here in Las Vegas, especially to our instructors, parents, family, friends and mentors. As disappointing as it is to limit the attendance at today’s ceremony, I’m thankful once again that we’ve safely made it to the end and to graduation. And so we’ve done so while protecting the health of our members and their families. And I’m sure, is our graduates can attest. We’ve done so while upholding the exceptionally high weapons school standard. Good afternoon. I’m Colonel Jack, are thought commandant of the United States Air Force Weapons School. Welcome to the graduation ceremony for Class 20. Bravo. Thank you for joining us. Either live or virtually as we celebrate our newest air Force and space Force weapons officers, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce a few of our distinguished guests for those present. Please hold your applause to the end. The Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe and U. S. Air Force’s Africa General Jeffrey Meridian, the Commander, United States Air Force Warfare Center, Major General Charles Corcoran, the Vice Commander, United States Air Force warfare Center. Brigadier General George Reynolds, the Commander 57th Wing Brigadier General Michael Draw Lee, the Command Chief 57th Wing Chief Master Sergeant Raul Villareal and my very own weapons school Superintendent Chief Master Sergeant Terry Jo Rippey. A round of applause for our distinguished guests. Please rise for the singing of the national anthem Airman Caitlin Clarke And please remain standing as Chaplain Honore offers the invocation Ho say, Can you see by the dawn’s early lie we’re to proudly we help hat That’s why I’m last gleaming Whose broad stripes and bright star through the pair rollers I’d for the way watch were so can l and Leigh streaming on the rockets Red glare Oh, bombs bursting in Gave proof through the night that off night Waas still there? Oh, say, does that star spending gold? Then way whole land have a free I am Huh? Okay, that’s true. Shall we pray? Gracious and mighty guard who calls us out of the shadows to conquer As Falcons seized the enemy as raptors and to strike with the speed of lightning, we paused this hour to recognize a distinguished few in our ranks who have excel above and beyond the standard of excellence and earned the privilege to be honored. Today as they prepare to take off on the runway of innovation, May you grant them the wisdom and courage to persevere in the face of the enemy. May they inspire our military might to sort to new heights, maneuver through the challenges ahead and forever keep the torch of excellence burning in a new era of warfare. May they be reminded that they stand on the proud heritage of the world’s premier weapons school. And on the shoulders of giants who left their signatures in the sky. We celebrated instructors, mentors and families who sacrifice daily so that these graduates may can stand proudly. We will leave this graduation ceremony with the impeccable confidence that our warfighters at home, in abroad or in great hands with these first class groundbreaking pioneers, freedom fighters come back. Engineers, logistical geniuses, technological champions, innovative, innovative analytics, weapons specialist, tactical expert in our adversaries, worst nightmare as they forge the path of freedom for the future of our great air force in your holy name. We do pray and commit this ceremony. A men That’s thank you, Emma Clark Chapman, Honore both beautiful, inspiring really well done. Please take your seats. The Department of the Air Force Weapons School boasts a cadre of over 360 of the world’s finest instructors and warfighters. They work some of the longest hours, executing the most demanding missions in service of a higher calling to build patches. It’s a privilege to lead these unbelievable men and women. And if there’s one job, I’d go back and do all over again would be the weapons school instructor again. Please join me in thanking these passionate, committed, an exceptionally talent instructors with a round of applause. While every weapons school instructors handpicked an exceptional its weapons school tradition for graduating classes, toe highlight those instructors who’ve had a special impact on their training during the class. Please reference your program, either in print here or virtually to view the names of those honored by Class 20 Bravo Award plaques hang in the halls of each squadron that recognize these instructors and their contributions. Once again, please join me in a round of applause for the top instructors. Another group of warfighters who, unfortunately, are not in attendance due to Covad. Distancing requirements are the select civilian and enlisted members of the weapons school who worked countless hours in administration. Aircrew flight equipment, aviation resource management, communications operations, support Intel space operations are enlisted aircrew and sensor operators. They help ensure our graduates are able to focus all their energy on becoming the best possible tactical expert, instructor and leader. Please join me in a round of applause to say thank you to our science, civilian and enlisted personnel. Now, this afternoon we celebrate with 123 newest of are now 31 diverse weapons instructor courses that include and stand by for a long list. The A 10, the A C 1 30 j and whiskey, the B one, the B to the B 52 c 17 c 1 30 j and H the C v 22 e three e eight e c. 1 30 the F 15 c Eagle The F 15 e f 16 f 22 f 35 hc 1 30 hh 60 j Tax KC 1. 35 M c. 1 30 mq. Nine R C 1 35 r Q four You to you 28. Intel Space Cyber and the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile course. In addition, we’re joined by our 14 Advanced instructor course graduates from Intel weapons directors, MQ nine sensor operators, Special Operations forces, tactical systems operators and RKC 1 35 boom operators. Now each graduate has completed an average of 380 hours of academics accredited at the Masters level, written a graduate level paper and accomplish an average of 21 intense combat training missions. These students have spent the last 5.5 months fighting adversary forces, replicating the most capable threats in the world so that when they’re thrust in the next conflict, they’ll be the ones saying, Follow me. Everyone tuning into this ceremony should be very proud of our graduates accomplishments. And it’s my honor to recognize them this afternoon, as our newest patch wears, and the future generation of leaders and our air force and space force, I recognize we have mostly just graduates in the hangar here today. But please join me in a round of applause for your fellow graduates to the friends, family members and mentors of Class 20 Bravo. We’re deeply disappointed that we can’t celebrate together in person, but we thank you for sharing your loved one with the Air Force in the Space Force. As you know, our nation’s service members are all volunteers, and the all volunteer force is absolutely a competitive advantage for our nation. Neither the professionalism of our service or the talent of our force would be possible. Without your understanding, your sacrifice and your support, our graduates will ensure America’s sons and daughters are well led. Thank you for sharing him with us. Thank you. Welcome to the United States Air Force Weapons schools, Class 20. Bravo. Graduation. Okay. Today we are honored to welcome our newest graduates into the elite cadre of Air Force weapons officers and advanced enlisted instructors. The path to success is never clear in their pursuit. Weapons school instructors must remain humble. Approachable, incredible. Okay. And okay. Okay. Yeah. When World War two ended, a fraternity of combat seized into pilots, sought to capture their lessons, learned from hard won and lost battle. In 1949 the aircraft gunnery school was established to pass on this knowledge to the next generation of warriors. 1950. The United States Air Force saw the dawn of the jet age during the Korean War. The F 86 sabers battled for supremacy against the Big 15 in MiG Alley. In 1954 the newly named United States Air Force Fighter Weapons School assumed the mission to train fighter instructors. The first aircraft were the F 80 shooting star and the F 86 savers, 1959. The weapons school food primarily the F 86 sabers and the F one of five. Thunder Chief 1965 the weapons school added. The F four Phantom Vietnam tested many hard learned lessons from Korea during the Vietnam War. The weapon school added the F 1 11 art bark and the A 70 Corsair, too. In 1977 fighter modernization brought both the F 15 eagle and the A 10 Thunderbolt two 19 eighties ushered. A time of significant change for the weapons school added to the curriculum with the F 16 Falcon F 15 e strike, Eagle Command Control and Intelligence in 1992 the school involved from its 43 year focus on fighter aviation, dropping the fighter from its title. The school became the United States Air Force Weapon School. The weapon school grew even more in the 19 nineties, adding the B 52 b one hh 60 The RC 1 35 Rivet Joint E. C. 1 30 h. Compass, call and space superiority. Changes in the early two thousands included the E A Joint Stars Special Operations Forces, the F 1 17, the B two and the merger of the Mobility Weapons School with the addition of the C 1. 30 k, C 1, 35 C 17 weapons instructor courses in 2007, the Eighth Weapons Squadron added the Advanced Enlisted Weapons Director course in 2000 and eight. The F 22 Raptor, MQ one Predator and MQ nine Reaper courses began in 2010. In 2012, respectively, Theo Intercontinental ballistic missile and cyber courses were added. In 2012, the 66th Weapons Squadron added the Joint Terminal Attack Controller Advanced Instructor course, becoming the first enlisted weapons instructor course in 2015. In 2016, the 34th Weapons Squadron added the H C 1 30 J Model Weapons Instructor course and the 26th Weapons Squadron, added the sensor operator Advanced Instructor course. In 2017, the weapons school grew again by standing up the Sixth Weapons Squadron, and it’s corresponding F 35 Weapons Instructor course. In 2018, the weapons school grew again by activating the 32nd Weapons Squadron leading the Cyber Weapons Instructor course, as well as the C 1 30 J Load Master Advanced Instructor course under the 29th Weapons Squadron. In 2019, several advanced instructor courses and weapons instructor courses were added. The C 17 load master in the 57th Weapons Squadron Boom operator in the 5/9 Western Squadron Space Warfighter in the three 28th Weapons Squadron and tactical systems operator in the 14th Weapons Froth 19th Weapons Squadron Transitioned Theo Advanced Enlisted Mission Planning course to the Advanced Instructor Intelligence Course, as well as adding the YouTube and our Q four Weapons Instructor Courses 2020 added the C V 22 Weapons Instructor course under the 14th Weapons Squadron. Currently, there are 21 Squadron’s teaching, 30 weapons, instructive courses and eight advanced enlisted courses. They cover 33 combat specialties to transform and inspire our nation’s combat power. We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let every nation no whether it wishes us well or ill that we shall pay any price there, any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend opposed any foe to ensure the survival and the success of liberty. The weapons school has one purpose. To ensure the readiness of the force. We strive to be humble, approachable, incredible. Our mission is to build, teach and lead all of this to ensure were to say, decisive in today’s fight and ready for any fight tomorrow. And now the time has come for our graduates to be given their marching orders. Our guest speaker today has had a remarkable career, including his achievement as an outstanding graduate at our very own weapons school. During his career, he has served his country in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi freedom. He’s flown combat missions in support of operations just cause in Panama, Desert storm and inherent resolve against the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria. Today he’s responsible for the air and missile defense of 29 NATO member nations while simultaneously commanding U. S airpower over 19 over 19 million square miles in Europe and Africa gets better. Meaning? Uh huh. Test test. So we couldn’t go to a commercial break. All right, To continue with my introduction of general origin today, he’s responsible for the air and missile defense of 29 NATO member nations while simultaneously commanding US air power over 19 million square miles in Europe and Africa. All of this professional experiences shaped him into the exceptional leader and warrior he is today. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the commander of U S Air Forces in Europe and Africa, the commander of Allied Air Command and the director of the Joint Airpower Competence Center. General Jeffrey who origin this one. That was perfect. All right, thanks, everybody. And, uh, it’s it’s great to be here with all of you. Um, frankly, it’s, uh, for me, it’s a It’s a real personal honor and privilege to have a chance to hang out with the, uh, world’s finest tacticians in our Air Force. And, uh, honestly, it’s an opportunity to recharge. If I weren’t here, I’d be shooting out emails and doing my standard business of sitting around taking brief. So for me, this is a great opportunity to be here with you and as a swine, er said offer you just a couple of things to think about as you go forward here. Um and first is he highlighted, I think is important, while um, clearly recognizing that cove it has had its impact is we’re all sitting here spread apart. Um, it’s another threat. There’s another threat that we’ve all dealt with. You guys figured out how to work through it, and ultimately you delivered and you figured out how to graduate people and keep the standard that’s so important. Thio the weapons school. So I appreciate the way you’ve approached that in his general. Walters and I have talked many times. The key here is to not let Cove had become a security issue. It’s on your shoulders, and you guys have figured out a way to do that. So I appreciate your leadership in making that all happened. I also want to thank General Corcoran, Korkie, JB and a whiner for the opportunity to come out here. Um, I would offer any of you the opportunity later tonight to ask me questions about any of these three. I have plenty of stories back to win. Winder and quirky were lieutenants, maybe even a weapon school. And what I would tell you for all three of these is you have some outstanding leaders, leaders that understand how to deal with risk leaders that are thinkers and find ways to solve problems that I’m sure they have ingrained in all of you. If you’re like them, you will do well as you move forward into your squadrons. Has you depart weapons school? No wonder. Took a bit of time to say thanks, but I think it’s important from From where I Sit. Also had taken opportunity to say thanks to a lot of folks out there and you hit on it. But I think importantly, I would like to thank all the family members that are watching this from wherever you’re at. Um, you know, it all starts at home regardless of what any of you think. It’s those that raised you, those that gave you the attitude, the work ethic that brought you here. You owe them a debt of gratitude, and I think it’s important that we recognize the fact that it might be your grand parents might be your aunt uncles. There’s a lot that certainly had an impact on your life and brought you to where you sit today, so I would like to offer my personal thanks to them and, uh, from from frankly from our entire air force, Thank you for what you did. Thio. Offer up your Children to us. Then for many of you, you’ve got spouses and kids that have sacrificed have put up with your act over the course of the last six months. Yes, I said, Put up with your act. I know when I went through weapons school, I had my wife doing the What are you doing? And how long are you? Could be gone every day. I know you all put up with that, and it’s it’s part of the deal. It’s part of our Air Force family, and clearly, without the support network that you have at home, whatever that might be, you wouldn’t be here. So I offer my huge thanks to all of you that provided that maybe it was a half a day out of each week that allowed the folks here today and those that are out all around the nation here that are graduating to have an opportunity Thio, relax, recharge and then get ready for the next week. It’s a it’s a team game, and it’s a team game that’s gonna continue as you guys move out into ah ah, call it the rial Air Force and contribute to what we do as a nation. I also think, as we look across the weapons school enterprise, there’s a whole lot of people that you guys ought to be thanking from the maintainers toe. Eighth thio the support system that’s out there, uh, to those that played a role in ensuring that you could go do what needed to happen for each and every one of your missions, regardless of what that mission set included. It’s a heavy lift and even heavier lift and co vid times and Aziz, you think back on those that contributed to that, I’d offer to you to go back and, uh, and offer your huge thanks to them and helping you get to where you sit today. And as highlighted, probably the some of the key people you need to thank are the instructors, and I’ll say not just the instructors here, but also those that set you up to get here. I’ll never forget the couple of rides I had to do to get into weapons school. And it was It was those individual that set me up for success when I got the weapon school. And I think those folks play a huge role in your preparation and then tow all the I P s that are out there. Um, again, There’s a lot of work that goes on from not just delivering graduates that meet the standard, but graduates that earn the patch and maintaining that standard through the course of what you all have been working through with co vid with everything else that’s been happening, uh, my hats off to all of you. Huge role. And as I P s, you know, I kind of went through your little book. And I know Manning is not what you’d like it to be. Frankly, it it never will be. But you power through. You probably debated. You fought hard about how you were gonna do it, but you figured out a way to get it done. So on behalf of all your Air Force leadership to those I ps those leaders that ensured you figured out a way to get it done, I thank you for your efforts. And, uh, I know that you’ll continue to contribute to how we get the job done here. Going forward. All right. For the patches. Huge. Congratulations to you. This is a big deal. I’m reminded, though, of you know, some of those teams. You’ll see that, uh, they celebrate in a big way, and it’s like Game one of a Game seven Siri’s. And you’re like, Come on, man, you got a whole bunch of a bunch more to do. I would keep that in mind. You know, when they slap that patch on you tonight, Ugo, you know, push it up and do whatever you gonna do. The big game is coming up. That’s when you head back to your squadron or whatever. You’re going back to you here. That’s where you’re gonna really earn the patch. And that’s where people will watch every move, every discussion you have. And I have no doubt that you will be ready to do that. I would just keep that in mind. And as you look back and I look at the graduates that I’ve had an opportunity to work with, I’m reminded of a couple of things and I’ll talk a little bit more about this later. First off, they’re not afraid to lead second there, thinkers and the beauty of any patch is they’re gonna have the gumption to say, Sir, I don’t agree with you. Here’s another way we can solve this problem. I’ll do it professionally. It’ll be diplomatic in most cases. Normally not everybody, but we’ll have a discussion. And that’s part of your job. You gotta be a thinker. And don’t just accept the status quo. And at the end of the day, then you got to deliver. You gotta be a do er and I know each and every one of you are charged to do that as you move forward. And I think is, you know, I look at the diversity of the number of graduates you have now. There’s no doubt you have built the relationships that will be key as you move forward and move into our broader air force and frankly, into the joint world. You know, I’m reminded when I graduated just a few years ago, you know, there I think there are less than 10 classes, 10 week courses. There weren’t many on DNA. When I look at the numbers that you have here in the diversity of folks that are involved with this. Um, it’s impressive. And I’m hopeful, as I just highlighted that you’ve had an opportunity in general Corporate and I were talking about this an opportunity to understand how you integrate the capabilities that are here at the weapons school, not only on Lee from the week courses, but the Advanced Instructor courses. There’s huge potential here to reach back across these relationships that you’ve built Thio tap into that expertise as you go solve some of the tough problems that are Air Force has in front of it. And as we work to try to solve those, So I would I would encourage you to do that because you’re gonna be heading back into a zoo. I think you’re all aware a really dynamic situation across the globe, you know, I was just on a VTC last night about what we’re doing in Africa. We’re sending more people into combat, we’ve got a job to do, and we’ve got very short period of time. Meanwhile, we’re competing with Russians every day and the competition discussion really for me is Maura about how do we compete today? But I’m sure we’re ready. Toe win if required. And you are the folks while tactical experts that air to give us that bottoms up approach to how we do that and I’d offer to you that’s gonna be important part of the expectations of you as you go forward as we think about what great power competition actually means at the tactical level at the squadron where you’re gonna be executing importantly, those You look through that lens, uh, this piece and wander talked about it about being ready is gonna live on your shoulders. And I’m gonna talk about that here in a couple minutes. Uh, readiness isn’t just about reporting. Readiness lives right here. It’s in your gut. You know, if your team is ready, you know, we do a lot of reporting, and squadron commanders have charged with that. But at the end of the day, it’s the look in their eyes. It’s the look in the eyes of your team when you know they’re ready. That’s an important part of your job as you get settled in and think about how you’re gonna take on the roles that you have as the squadron weapons officer. Okay, so I tell people I can’t remember much more than three things. And I think that’s why you guys build lead and then humble, approachable. Incredible. So I’m gonna offer you three things to think about. And I know at the end of the day by, you know, 1700 tonight you’re probably not gonna remember any of them. So I’ll try to keep it fairly concise. And one of them starts with what I think is an important lesson. I learned when I left here and went to the 58th Fighter Squadron down in England. We were flying see models back in the day. And when I got to the squadron, my app. So he was also a patch where, you know, So I was like, Okay, I gotta, you know, make sure I’m square here. Hey said, Hey, I expect you to be the lead flight commander. I know you’ve got all these flight commanders. You’re in charge of every one of them. You know, some of those guys outrank me, and I’m like, Okay, I can do that. But my point here is this, um we don’t want you to just lead. We want you to be a leader. There’s a difference there in my mind. And when I talk about that, um, there’s plenty of examples you’re gonna have where people are gonna be watching you The way you present a brief. Here’s a big one. The way you listen, you’re gonna have a lot to offer your squadron, you’re gonna roll in there and Ugo Okay, I’m gonna do my, you know, two weeks listening and trying to figure out what’s going on and then I’m going to start driving. Stand up, are up. And what I would offer to you is take the time to be a good listener because you’re gonna have some some rock stars in your squadron, some really sharp people. And I would encourage you over time as a leader to be a really good listener. You know, my wife says you hear a lot, but you don’t listen. I’m like, honey, come on. But it’s true. It’s a challenge we all have, and particularly as you leave here with your tool kit filled with a lot of great ideas, I would offer to you spend the time to listen to your folks as you roll into the squatter, and that’ll make you a better leader. The other part when I talk about leading that I would offer to you on this is as you work with your squadron commander and you’re gonna you know, you’ve probably gotten a lot of lessons about how you deal with your squadron commanders. But my expectation when I had a patchwork is working for me is a squadron commander Wing commander at asked center you. Safety was they were the ones providing me with their best advice. And sometimes that best advice was not what I wanted to hear. But they knew that was their job. And I knew they were going to be creative. They were going to be thoughtful about it and they were going to provide it in a professional fashion that offered me a very logical argument. And you’re gonna have people watching you when you do that. This is what I talk about in terms of being a leader. And that’s not just being ready to be number one or lead your four ship or whatever formation that you’re you’re in charge of it. Za bigger picture than that, and I would ask you to think about that. The second one is, uh, you could probably call it Maura. The operational, the strategic level. But I know General Dryland. General Cork and I’ve heard me talk about that. And it z important that you look for ways and opportunities to build trust with your team. And then the second part of it is you got to trust them. I can give you mawr stories about staff sergeants and text sergeants down range in combat, getting the job done in a manner that was, uh, frankly incredible. And do it in the manner that when I called him the next day say just what I used. Hello? Hello? Hey, I’m back. Okay, we’re getting, um And so it’s important from my perspective that as you think about trust, there’s the, you know, up to the commander. There’s down to your team. It’s across to the other members. Maybe that’s inside your wing or across the enterprise of people that you have relationships. It’s really important. And then when you give that guidance, sir, you tell folks, Hey, here’s where we’re going. Here’s the intent. You know, they’re going to get the job done and we talk a lot. You guys have heard a lot about empowering people. Guess what? You need to do the same thing. And you need to walk in with that mindset because you’re going to raise people that wanna be like you. And if they want to demonstrate that they’ve got it, it’s gonna be because you trust them. So be prepared to do that. And here’s what I’m gonna tell you. It’s not always gonna be pretty. I could give you another bunch of stories about times that I empowered people and it wasn’t exactly what I expected to have happened. That’s okay. And that day, she our Air Force needs people at the lowest of levels to be empowered. That’s what we dio in the last part of this trust piece. I’ll talk about his loyalty when I talk about loyalty. My expectation of patches was, I want you to come in, and I want you to give me the unfiltered truth of what you think is going on, and we’re gonna have a discussion about it. We’re gonna talk about the pros and cons. I want you to lay out your argument, but at the end of the day, I’m gonna make a decision and we’re gonna move out together. And I don’t need you leaving the room and now yapping about you didn’t like the decision. And that’s an important piece of what’s asked of you. Because you gotta be latched with your leadership. And while you go, Yeah, I get that, sir. The important part is you’re gonna have an opportunity. Thio describe the way you think it ought to go offer your best argument. But when the decisions made, I need you to move out and I have no doubt you’ll know how to move out. You just got to be moving out, aligned with the intent of the commander as you go out and execute. So think about that and think about loyalty from the perspective of it goes this way. And then it goes down through the chain is well, because that’s what the expectation you’re gonna have of the people that are working for You are with you. Alright, The last one. So I have no other way to say this. But this is what I tell squadron and wing commanders. Keep it, Riel. Remember where you came from? You’re the same. Yeah, yeah. Black saying you’re crazy the end of the day. You know where people you know, ethically, what you’re responsible for, how you think about things. Find out what we expect now, that border when you’re accountable for your decisions. And maybe that decision wasn’t exactly the right one. General Corcoran could give you plenty of stories where I probably didn’t make the exact right decision, but we needed to make a decision. I think you probably heard the story where no decision is a decision. But if you make a decision and then it doesn’t go the right way, own it to say my bad, I’ll fix it. Let’s get on with it. And people will respect you for that. And that’s keeping it riel in my mind. And if you do that, that team will they will run through walls for you. They will. That’s because you’re being transparent with, um, you’re telling them the truth. You’re telling them what you think and when you don’t know your fessing up to it. So think about that as you, you know, pull together your intent and where you want to go and how you’re going to stick to who you are. Just don’t change. I’ve I’ve tried to live by that sometimes. Not as well as I’d like to, but I think if people look back and see you in the light of Hey, she’s the same way she was before. She just got the opportunity to get trained at a world class institution and now has a tool kit that’s just massive, and I want to run through walls for her. That’s a big deal. So keep it really is. You get back to that squadron, you will build relationships and have people that will work. Their rear ends off for you because there will be things that happen that you can’t control and you want them Thio be a part of that effort to make it all happen. This is not another big topic, but here’s one last thing. I’ll just tell you. Have fun. Tell General Cork in this morning. I’m like, man, I’d do anything back to be back here going through weapons school. You know, it’s hard work, but I’d love to go strap on a jet and go do some BFM and come back and talk about it. I talked about it for three hours. If I could so enjoy it. This is a great ride. You’re walking out it into an air force that needs you. If you’re coming to you, safety, we need you to step up and demonstrate everything you’ve learned here. And don’t be afraid to be a leader. Trust the people that are working for you. But at the end of the day, keep it real for me. All right. So I again thank everybody the entire enterprise for what you’ve done through covert to make this happen. Our Air Force is extremely proud of what you’ve done over this last six months. But remember, the next game is coming. You guys were ready for it, so get after it. Thank you very much. Hey, General Hurricane, hold on for just a minute. E can, uh, I can still remember flying on your wing as a F 15. Basic course, trainee flying a tactical intercept sortie. We went out and Slade, So thank you for taking your time to come out and sharing your words with our graduates. And thanks for fighting through the columns as well. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks to you. Thanks. Next, we will present the Robbie Risner Award. The rise. No reward commemorates the outstanding leadership, courage and patriotism epitomized by General Risner. It’s given to the most outstanding weapons school graduate for the previous year. We’ll start with a quick video in honor of general risers legacy and then will recognize the 18 finalists. Yeah, Brigadier General James Robinson. Robbie Risner was part of that legendary group that served in three wars built in Air Force and gave us an enduring example of courage and mission success. General Mark A Welsh today we honor his service by presenting the 2019 United States Air Force Weapons Schools. Robbie Risner, finalists from the Six Weapons Squadron Major Nathan Johnson from the Eighth Weapons Squadron. Captain Alexandra, busy from the 14th Weapons Squadron. Captain Anthony Damasio from the 16th Weapons Squadron. Captain Benjamin Cochran from the 17th Weapons Squadron. Captain Woodrow Johnson from the 19th Weapons Squadron. Captain Rachel Gangster from the 26 Weapons Squadron. Captain Garett Buehler from the 29th Weapons Squadron. Captain Joshua Travis from the 32nd Weapon Squadron Captain Hanna Schmitz from the 34th Weapons Squadron. Captain Eric Ruiz from the 57 Weapons Squadron. Captain Tate Montgomery from the 66 Weapons Squadron Captain Joshua Stafford from the 77th Weapons Squadron. Captain Travis Adams from the 3/15 Weapons Squadron. Captain Joshua Williams from the three 28th Weapons Squadron. Captain Emily Schultz from the 3/40 Weapons Squadron. Captain Brian, You right from the four 33rd Weapons Squadron. Major Taison, higher from the 5/9 Weapons Squadron. Captain Eric Cataract. Please give all of our graduates Excuse me. Please give all of our finalists a round of applause there. Absolutely the best of the best in their community. General Hurricane, would you please come forward to present the award? This year’s Risner Award winner epitomized our weapons officer Creed. Humble, approachable, incredible. The winner led their unit with distinction into the Centcom area of responsibility with only 21 days notice. As part of our nation’s immediate response force while conducting combat often Centcom, he redefined joint air integration standards for freedom of navigation operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Personally briefing the deployed carrier strike group. Additionally, he improved coalition deterrence by integrating Patriot defense systems and fighter aircraft across to Centcom bases and three partner countries. The deterrence provided by the mighty Black Panthers and our winner and our winners leadership were critical during heightened tensions with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Finally, once home, he returned from leave early to formulate an act of squadrons Cove in 19 Response plan. Preserving unit readiness while protecting his airman’s and their families. Health. Ladies and Gentlemen, the most outstanding weapons school graduate for 2019 and winner of the Robinson Risner Award, is from the 17th Weapons Squadron. Captain Woodruff, Thunder Johnson. Exactly. Yeah, nothing’s heavy heads up, and now we’ve come to the highlight of today’s ceremony, recognizing our graduates with commanders of the sixth, the eighth, the 14th, 16th, 17th and 19th squadrons. Please escort your graduates to the right side of the stage. Earning the graduate patch is the ultimate achievement, and everyone you see crossing the stage today has earned their diploma. But let me take a moment to explain. Some additional awards will present first. An academic award is presented to the graduate from each squadron who achieved the highest grade point average. We will also present a mission award. These awards go to the graduate who demonstrated the best performance in mission planning, execution briefing and debriefing within their respective courses finally will present the Outstanding Graduate Award to the Graduate who, by consensus of the instructors, has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in every aspect of the course. Ladies and gentlemen, the Commander of the Sixth Weapons God Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Ethan Saban. What? Mhm it works. The graduates from the F 35 Weapons instructor course are Major Howard Shaner. Captain Kyle Benham. Captain Matthew Harris. Captain David More Captain Mark Tappin Dorf. Captain Harris is the recipient of the academic award. Captain More is the recipient of the Flying Award. The Outstanding graduate for the Sixth Weapons Squadron is Captain Kyle Benham. Right? It’s eight from your script. Hold tight today. I need you all to help me, mark Historic event in the tireless fight the web of the weapons school to stay on the leading edge of battle. Spay of the battle space as we find ways to continue to deliver evermore integrated and lethal tactical experts to combatant commanders across the globe. Today marks a milestone for the commanding control community in a journey that began back in 1978 when the sea to call signed Barnyard was first heard on the radio over the Nellis ranges by the controllers originally assigned to the F 15, a division in the four 33rd Fast Forward to 2007, when the advanced weapons director courses enlisted clubhouse graduates, which already had a proud seven year heritage of training. The most advanced wds in the world joined. The Eighth Weapons Squadron is the first enlisted course within the weapons school that turned the Eighth Weapons Squadron into the most diverse squadron dedicated to battle space dominance through electromagnetic warfare and tactical command control. March 2014 the Advanced Weapons Director course became the first recognized and approved Advanced Instructor course and was redesignated with its current name, The Advanced Instructor Weapons Director. Of course. Well, that’s about to change. That brings us to today. I am proud to announce Chief of Staff of the Air Force has officially blessed the creation of the control and reporting center CRC Wick as the newest weapons instructor course at the weapons school. Give me something. I’m almost done, I promise. All right. This was envision and put in motion about three years ago, of course, was painstakingly created and validated by our current a wits Kadre. They have completed the CRC Wick validation course as the next logical evolution to train the next generation of weapons directors to serve in the much needed role as CRC weapons officers alongside their air battle manager, brothers and sisters, they will represent the most lethal Airman. The Commander Control Battle Management Operations Community has to offer the combat Air forces and our joint forces today. Well, the current weapons directors with current weapons Director Kadre, please join Colonel are thought of myself on stage. Give me these. Please help me. Congratulate Master Sergeant mauled Batista. Master Sergeant smashed McFadden, Tech Sergeant dropping dice and tech Sergeant who? That season, sir, As their commander, I promise you. Thes dedicated, trusted and unmatched in CEOs will continue the weapons school legacy to build lead and teach. They will do so with humility, approachability and credibility. Expected of the United States Air Force weapons officer. Deputies. Right face, sir. Patch him another round of applause, please. Okay, awesome. Thanks. Guys. Also have some graduates to get to. I’m saying, All right, so come on up, guys. And now the graduates from the Eighth Weapons Squadron, the graduates of the air battle manager weapons instructor course. Our major, Gordon Chi Captain Carrie Davis. Captain Thomas Davis. Captain Philip Stephenson, graduate of the 1 30 Compass Call Weapons instructor Course is Captain Tristan Miller, graduate of the RJ Weapons Instructor Course is Captain Mariani Charentes. Captain Miller is the recipient of the academic Award. Yeah. Captain Thomas Davis is the recipient of the Flying Award on the Graduate of the previously known as Advanced Instructor. Weapons Director, of course. But who has met all the requirements and is now the first student graduate of the CRC Wick Technical Sergeant Jacqueline Leach. The outstanding graduate from the Eighth Weapons Squadron is Captain Thomas Davis. Yes. Next is the 14th Weapons Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Jacoby. Bigger thanks. Touch. Yeah. All right. Graduate graduates from the A C 1 30 Weapons Instructor course are Major. Brad might not. Captain Josh Powder, Captain Brian. Bert. Captain Phil Smith, captain about ER is the recipient of the academic award, and Captain Burt is the recipient of the Flying Award. The graduates from the C V 22 weapons instructor course are major Jordan Craft Captain Karl Mormon Major craft is the recipient of the academic award. Graduates from the M C 1 30 Weapons instructor course are Major Matt Fox, Captain Dave Bennis and Captain Page Young. Captain Young is the recipient of the Academic award and Captain businesses. The recipient of the Flying Award graduates from the U 28 Weapons instructor course are Captain Chris Aguayo, Captain Jerome, Bela’s captain James Eichelberger and Captain Matt Stites. Captain Belus is the recipient of the Academic award on Captain Eichelberger is the recipient of the Flying Award. And then our graduate from the Tactical Systems operator and Advanced Instructor course is Staff Sergeant Derek Singleton. Now the outstanding graduate for the 14th Weapons School Squadron is Major Jordan Craft next 16th. Weapons squatter Commander Lieutenant Colonel Scott Butler. Okay, The graduates from the 16th Weapons Instructor course are Major Michael Reed. Major Richie Schuler, Junior Major Casey Watts. Captain Joseph Boil. Captain Salvador Cruise Captain Anthony de MMA. Captain Howard Hughes. It’s a real name Captain Thomas Nichols. Captain David Takahashi. Captain Dem A is the recipient of the academic Award. Captain Takahashi is the recipient of the Flying Award. And the outstanding graduate for the 16th Weapons Squadron is Captain Joseph Boil. Okay. Next is the 17th Weapons Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Jewell. Thanks, Mom. The graduates from the F 15 e Weapons instructor course are Captain Kevin W. Blair, Captain Pete L. Griffin, Captain Nash s Mills and Captain Joshua E. Wilson. Captain Blair is the recipient of the academic award. Captain Blair is also the recipient of the Flying Award and the Outstanding Graduate for the 17th Weapons Squadron. His Captain Nash Disco Mills. Well, the commanders of the 26 29 32nd, 34 57th and 66 weapon squadrons. Please escort your graduates to the right side of the stage. Next is the 19th Weapons Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Robin Bernard. The graduates from the Intelligence Weapons instructor course are Major Michael W. Soup, injure Captain Tia M. Beck, Captain Jamie Black, Captain Daniel D. Dawson. Captain Harold Hayes, the third Captain Tyler E. Hunt. Captain Colby D Judd, Captain Frank, be Knickerbocker, Captain Elijah D. McClam and Captain Christopher W. W. Waterman. Captain Waterman is the recipient of the academic award. Captain Judd is the recipient of the Colonel Laura Berry. Outstanding Mission Award. The graduates from the R. Q four Weapons instructor course. Our Captain Chore Vang and Major Charles J. Watson. Captain Watson is the recipient of the academic award. He is also the recipient of the Flying Award. Yeah. The graduates from the YouTube weapons instructor course are Major Michael A. Kelly and Captain Robert De Neil. Major Kelly is the recipient of the academic award. Major Kelly is unable to attend this afternoon, but we celebrate in in his spirit. Captain Neil is the recipient of the Flying Award. The graduates from the Advanced Intelligence Instructor course, our technical Sergeant Joseph J. Copa, the third Technical Sergeant Lee S Jackson and technical Sergeant Gregory C. Jenkins and Staff Sergeant Israel. A goal are Sergeant Jackson is the recipient of the Academic Award. He is also the recipient of the Mission Award. The Outstanding graduate for the Advanced Intelligence Instructor course is Staff Sergeant Israel Regular Thea Outstanding graduate for the 19th Weapons Squadron is Captain Tyler Hunt. Mhm. Next is the 26 weapons Squatter Commander Lieutenant Colonel Brad Del Oye Cono. The graduates from the ninth Empty nine Weapons Instructor course are Captain David Bradfield. Captain Travis FRACTIONALLY Captain Josh Rudolph. Captain Joseph Wilson. Captain Michael Winkler. Captain Bradford is the recipient of the academic award. Captain Rudolph is the recipient of the Flying Award. The graduates from the sensor operator Advanced Instructor course are technical Sergeant Alex Rev. ISS Staff Sergeant Austin Edwards. Technical Sergeant Jaden McAfee. Staff Sergeant Kyle Pool Staff Sergeant Devin Wayland. Sergeant Edwards is the recipient of the academic Award. Yes, Sergeant McAfee is the recipient of the Flying Award. All right. The outstanding graduate of the Empty nine Sensor operator, Advancing structure courses. Technical Sergeant Devin Whale. The Outstanding graduate for the 26 Weapons Squadron is Captain Joseph Wilson. Next math weapons. Former Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Matthew McFarlane. The graduates from the C 1 30 h Weapons Instructor course are Major Aaron Brown. Major Mark gains Major Brian Trip. Major trip is the recipient of the C 1 38 Academic Award and the C 1 38 Flying Award. Yeah, graduates from the C 1 30 J Weapons Instructor course are Captain Chris Espinosa. Captain David Jacobs, Captain Meghan Chronic Captain Jeff Lenard, Captain Case in Soaked and Captain Nathan Southwick. Captain Crane. AC is the recipient of the C 1. 30 j Academic Award. Captain Espinosa is the recipient of the C 1. 30 j Flying Award. The Outstanding graduate for the 29th Weapons Squadron is Captain Meghan Crane. AC right. Next is a 32nd Weapons Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Eberhard. Thanks. The Graduate. The graduate from the offensive. Cyberspace operations, Weapons instructor courses, Captain Chemo y boom ! Unclog be an award standard in Britain. The recipient of the academic court, Guma Gang is the recipient of the academic. I’m sorry. Three we’ve right. I really was trying to make a dent graduate. The HCM of 30 weapons destructive force are Yeah, J hard. God sure in front for shipping what is also a recent what graduates from the HH 60 Weapons Instructor course are Jeff Kale M building. Andre Cage. Captain Building Recipient. Having Morton is also the recipient. Fine. Yeah. The outstanding grass. 34th Weapons Squadron is I think Andre Property. Yeah. Okay. Right. 3 25 3 28 3, 48 4 30 35. Waters, please. Right side. Understand. Next is the 5th 7th Weapons Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Scott Johnson. Graduates from the C 17 weapons destructive force are Captain Trevor. Be areas Captain. Saccharine him. Very. Captain Daniel s. Jones. Captain Patrick S. Morgan, Captain seat. W what? Captain Arias is the recipient of the academic award. Yeah. Captain Barry is the recipient of the flying. The tragic for the 57th Weapons Squadron is Captain Trevor Areas next 60 65. Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel James Cats. Yes, Yeah, yeah. The graduates from the A 10 Weapons instructor, of course. Our Captain, Thomas J. Appleton. Captain Daniel T. Harold. Captain Shawn Knowles. Captain Jonathan are Griffin. Captain Knowles is the recipient of the academic award. Captain Appleton is the recipient of the Flying Award. The outstanding graduate for the A tens Weapons instructor course is Captain Daniel Harold. The graduates from the J. Tech Weapons Instructor course. Our Master Sergeant Christopher A. Schneider, Technical Sergeant Jacob W. Rinker. Technical Sergeant Thad J. Taylor. Staff Sergeant Marc Be Brush. Sergeant Snyder is the recipient of the Academic Award. Sorry. Brushes the recipient of the Mission Award, the Outstanding Graduate for the 66 Weapons Squadron. Joint terminal Attack Controller. Weapons instructor courses. Staff Sergeant Marc Brush. Yeah. Next is the 77th Weapons Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Winkle. Plec, right? Yes. Help the graduates from the B one weapons instructor course. Our Captain mark on me. Captain Anthony Carbone. Captain Carbon is the recipient of the academic award. Captain Omei is the recipient of the Flying Award. The outstanding graduate for the 77th Weapons Squadron is Captain Mark O Me. Mhm. Next is the 3/15 Weapons Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Saloum. Okay, The graduates from the ICBM Weapons instructor course are Captain John Fernandez, Captain James Flanagan, Captain Jason Governor and Captain Margaret Sheets. Captain Sheets is the recipient of the academic award. Captain Fernandez is the recipient of the outstanding mission order. Next is the three 25th Weapons Water Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Troy Combs. The graduates from the B two Weapons Instructor course are Major Joseph Bobbin and Captain Ryan Magner. Major Bobbin is the recipient of the Academic Award as well as the Flying Award. The Outstanding graduate for the three 25th Weapons Squadron is Major Joseph Bobbin. Next is the three 28th Weapons Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Jessica Raper. The graduates from the Space Security Weapons Instructor course are Captain John Bang. Captain Carl Black, Captain James Carey. Captain Jesus Diaz, Captain Jonathan Green, Captain Adam Hawker, Captain Benjamin Staggie, First Lieutenant Jacob Newman first Lieutenant Joseph Shiver. We said it. Newman is the recipient of the academic award. Lieutenant Shiver is the recipient of the Missions Award. The outstanding graduate for Space Security weapons Instructor course is Captain Carl Black. Okay. Yeah, Next is the 3/40 Weapons Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Keller. The graduates from the B 52 weapons instructor course are Captain Bradley Arnold Captain Aaron Kaufman, Captain Brent Drabek, Captain Josh Freeman, Captain Rebecca Holla and Captain Ryan Roulette. Captain Arnold is the recipient of the academic award. Captain Drabek is the recipient of the Flying Award. The outstanding graduate from the 3/40 Weapons Squadron is Captain Rebecca. Holla. Alright, Rex. Uh, it’s my privilege to present one more award to the three. 40th this time for the most outstanding paper for Class 20 Bravo. This paper describes planning and execution considerations for the G M 1 83 and air launched rapid response weapon in the first long range hypersonic missile for the U. S. Air Force. The new capability for the B 52 will drastically change the air Force plans and the way the Air Force plans and executes an extremely high threat scenarios enabling rapid strike of high value assets in the minimum time, whether employed on the leading edge, integrating with other standoff weapons or in a dynamic targeting roll, the A G M 1 83 will be at the top of every see faxed requests of capabilities. As such, this paper will be instrumental for any planner faced with an 8 to 80 problem. Would Captain Brent Lobo, Drabek, please step forward. Next is the four 33rd Weapons Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Drew Maultsby. The graduates from the F 15 C Weapons Instructor course are Major Aaron Lamont. Captain James Hurley. Captain Brock McGahee. Captain Joshua Purchase CA. The graduates from the F 22 Weapons Instructor course are Major David Ruiz and Captain Kyle Brown. Captain Brown is this European is the recipient of the academic award. Captain Prochaska is the recipient of the Flying Award. The outstanding graduate for the four 33rd Weapons Squadron is Captain James Hurley. Next is the 5/9 Weapons Squander Commander. Lieutenant Colonel Philip Mel B. Kidding. The graduates from the KC 1 35 weapons instructor course are major current bundle. Captain Joel, Be Gonzalez, Captain Camden T Artisan Captain Alexander J. South. Captain Victoria P. Perkins, Captain William J. Cochran. Major Bundle is a recipient of the academic award. Captain Couch is a recipient of the Flying Award. The graduates from From the boom operator. Instructor, uh, academic. Sorry. Advanced instructor course. Our Master Sergeant George a Caracas technical Sergeant Blake J. Landry, Technical Sergeant James D. Schaefer. Staff Sergeant Eric W. Seaver’s Sergeant Caracas is the recipient of the Academic Award. Sergeant Landry is the recipient of the Flying Award. The Outstanding graduate for the Boom operator. Advanced Instructor course is Staff Sergeant Eric Receivers. The Outstanding graduate for the KC 1 35 Weapons instructor. Course is major current bundle this do you think, sir? Mhm. Yeah. All right. Before we wrap things up completely, I’d like to say thank you to all the people involved in making this so special. We normally host this event downtown, a major casino in Bali’s ballroom. But as it turns out, putting this area ceremony together on relatively short notice and live streaming took a lot of folks to make it happen in spite of some of the audio difficulties that we experienced. So a huge thanks to my pro chose Mr Michael Sasquatch Chief Terry Jo Rippey, Senior Master Sergeant Pamela Kelly and Master Sergeant Rebecca McFadden. All amazing folks who did a ton of work to make today happen to the second Audiovisual Squadron from Hill Air Force Base, whose expertise made this livestream possible, allowing us to show this event with families at home and to all the 9/9 air base wing, 57th wing public affairs. But especially to our photographer, Airman First Class Dwayne Young and then finally to our very own weapons school. Uh, audio video editor, Mr Julius. A marker for making the awesome video presentations possible. Finally. Thank you, General. Here again for joining us today. Thanks for the words, ladies and gentlemen, that concludes today’s event. Thank you for your time. For your attention and your support of all of our graduates here today. 20 Bravo. As I said the first time meeting you and I’ll say it again. It doesn’t matter where you go from here, toe what unit you’re assigned toe. What staff you’re on the weapons school will always be your home. Thanks for sharing this event with us. Yeah,

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