Little Rock captain supports U.S. Central Command airlift in Iraq as C-130 navigator

Published Aug. 18, 2010
By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Capt. Elizabeth Valasek is a C-130 Hercules navigator assigned to the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

Captain Valasek is deployed from the 50th Airlift Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. As a C-130 navigator at Joint Base Balad, Captain Valasek supports airlift missions for U.S. Central Command and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

To do her work as a C-130 navigator, Captain Valasek helps plan and prepare for combat airlift missions, according to the official Air Force job description for a navigator. She also reviews mission taskings, intelligence and weather information prior to missions and participates in mission planning, preparation and filing of flight plans and crew briefings.

Navigators like Captain Valasek also ensure aircraft are pre-flighted, inspected, loaded, equipped and manned for mission and they navigate aircraft to accomplish assigned missions. She is trained to operate available navigation systems, conducts or supervises training of crewmembers, and ensures operational readiness of her crew by conducting or supervising mission specific training.

Additionally, navigators like Captain Valasek develop plans and policies, monitors operations and advises commanders. They also assist commanders and perform staff functions related to the navigator specialty.

To do her job, Captain Valasek has to maintain mandatory job knowledge in theory of flight, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, aircraft operating procedures and mission tactics.

The C-130 has traditionally been one of Air Mobility Command's and the Air Force's commonly-used airlift aircraft in the deployed environment. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the C-130, the plane primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

Additionally, in using its aft loading ramp and door, the C-130 can accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including everything from utility helicopters and six-wheeled armored vehicles to standard palletized cargo and military personnel, the fact sheet states. In an aerial delivery role, it can airdrop loads up to 42,000 pounds or use its high-flotation landing gear to land and deliver cargo on rough, dirt strips.

The 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, or "Triple 7 Dueling Dragons" is the largest forward-deployed airlift squadron in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Joint Base Balad Web site shows. Comprised of over 100 Airmen and a fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft, the 777th EAS has five primary missions -- hub-and-spoke air-land missions, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, distinguished visitor airlift and communications, and command and control for Joint Airborne Battle Staff support to coalition forces on the ground. The squadron has all-weather, night-vision, and air-land delivery capability.