Last July, I deployed with the U.S. Air Force to the Middle East in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel and Spartan Shield. My squadron’s mission consisted of providing fully trained and combat-ready Airmen to combatant commanders in various organizations across the CENTCOM Area of responsibility (AOR). We worked closely with home station units to ensure that Airmen had the training capabilities and equipment outlined by mission requirements.
Hugs for my three daughters before departing for my deployment.
Working as a Team
As part of my six-month deployment, I had the privilege of leading and supporting approximately 600 Airmen across many different disciplines, including aerial port quick reaction teams (QRT), joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC), embassy personnel, logistic planners, strategic planners and K-9 trainers, among others. As a Lockheed Martin program manager, I have also had the privilege of working alongside teammates from different functional disciplines across various physical locations. The skills that I have developed as a program manager prepared me to navigate the challenges of deployment. I leveraged abilities like attention to detail, agility, consistency, communication, flexibility and strategic thinking.
As a Lockheed Martin employee, I was proud to see the products, training and services that we provide are a critical component of ensuring that the U.S. Air Force has lethal and ready force to execute any given mission. The work that we perform on a daily basis is on full display during contingency operations. While we might not all be at the tip of the spear, our products and services are certainly an integral part of that spear. We are a critical piece of the puzzle, that helps the men and women of our armed forces execute the mission.
Navigating through difficult situations always becomes easier when you have a dedicated team that understands the mission and end goals. Our squadron had to work closely with the State Department, the CENTCOM Deployment & Distribution Operation Center, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, foreign partners and other agencies to execute various critical missions. It goes without saying that as a team, ensuring everyone understands the end goal is vital. Whether you support a combat-related mission or a critical milestone in your program, it is our responsibility as leaders to ensure that all members are aware of our ultimate goals and milestones.
Me with members of my deployment leadership team.
Homecoming
Spending the holidays away from my family was difficult. But knowing that I was making a positive difference to the Airmen on my team was certainly rewarding.
After six months away, I was able to fly home to reunite with my family. Homecomings are by far the best part of a deployment. This homecoming was extra special, as my oldest daughter was turning nine on the day of my arrival. Reintegrating back home and with my Lockheed Martin team was difficult. But as expected, I was welcomed with open arms.
Returning to work at Lockheed Martin reminded me just how much our work matters. Hard work and dedication to the mission play a crucial role in ensuring that military members like myself make it home to our families safe.
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Reunited with my family.