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Scott's Det. 1 performs Combat Flight Inspection mission

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers
  • 375 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Nestled in the outskirts of Oklahoma City is a small group of Scott Airmen who perform an important and unique mission that ensures the safety of the aircraft and their crews who fly in and around combat zones.

Located as part of the Federal Aviation Administration's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, members of Det. 1 perform flight inspections of airfield navigation and instrument landing systems, radars, and instrument procedures.

As a geographically separated unit assigned to the 375th Operations Group, Det. 1 is one of three Air Force Combat Flight Inspection units that complete this task. Not only is this detachment one of three units, but it is also the only active duty unit that completes this mission.

Lt. Col. Kent Freeman, Det. 1 commander, said that they work tirelessly to make sure that national airspace systems and airfields used by the Department of Defense remain safe and operational, but not many people know they exist.

"We often say that before the first C-17 can land in theater, a combat flight inspection team must certify the approach procedure to be used," Freeman said. "Without combat flight inspection, U.S. and coalition partners wouldn't have the navigational aids they rely on day after day to assert air power anytime, anywhere. That is an awesome responsibility."

The primary aircraft for Det. 1 pilots is the FAA's three Bombardier Challenger 601 aircraft. To fulfill the combat mission, these aircraft are modified with additional defensive systems for use within the combat zones.

"While specific aircraft are required for our pilots, mission specialists are certified to operate a flight inspection panel that is common across the FAA's fleet," said Freeman. "Once fully qualified, mission specialists could be assigned to fly on any FAA mission and in some cases be the only military person on a crew. This highlights the awesome fact that our enlisted mission specialists can find themselves operating in an environment where they are the only representative of the U.S. Air Force."

Det. 1 pilots are currently from a diverse group of U-2, F-22, MC-12, E-3, KC-10, C-40, C-21, C-130 and C-17 communities. They undergo a formal training program that could take anywhere from nine to 15 months to become fully certified by the FAA to command worldwide flight inspection missions.

The uniqueness of their mission and training requirements allows almost any fixed wing pilot to join the unit. Although the mission is primarily an assignment opportunity for a Mobility Air Forces pilot, historically, Det. 1 pilots have come from transports, bombers, reconnaissance, fighters and trainers.

Averaging about 400 hours a year, these worldwide capable pilots and a mission specialist fly the skies to ensure safety for aircraft flying near combat zones. This job provides members the opportunity to do a unique mission in support of both civilian and military aviation said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Boyer, Det. 1 maintenance NCO in charge.

"We are worldwide travelers and see all parts of the globe, as well as support the war fighter's mission. Once you get here [to this mission], it's tough to leave ... I don't want to leave," said Boyer.

Recently the Det. 1 hosted 375th AMW leadership and provided a tour of the facilities and a chance to fly during one of their inspection missions. Col. Laura Lenderman, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, 375th AMW Command Chief Wesley Mathias, 375th Operations Group Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Gabel and Col. Perry Long, 375th Operations Group commander, all got an up close look at the mission there.

Lenderman said, "It's an amazing mission with dedicated people, and I'm glad we had the opportunity to see it first-hand. The team is proud of what they do and their excellence shows every day. They perform these missions quietly, but proudly and ensure the safety of our aircrews while doing so!"