DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- Throughout 2016, 919th Special Operations Wing public affairs will highlight the Airmen of specific flights throughout the Reserve wing here. There will be four installments in this series.
Combat Aviation Advisors
The 711th Special Operations Squadron is the only combat aviation advisory squadron in the Air Force Reserve Command. Combined with an active-duty squadron, their mission is to assess, advise, train, and assist friendly and allied forces with their own airpower resources.
Tech. Sgt. David Mabel
“Our goal is to send 15 people now, so we don’t have to send 15,000 later,” said the seven-year veteran who’s visited more than 30 countries on five continents while in the Air Force Reserve. “We are truly part of something unique. This career is only available right here.”
Mabel, who joined the Air Force for the educational benefits, said he never dreamed he would have accomplished the things he achieved over the last five years.
Capt. Chuck Anderson
Anderson left the Army to become a pilot in the Air Force Reserve. As a CAA, Anderson has the opportunity to fly multiple aircraft types based on where his squad deploys to.
“Having experienced being the guy on the ground and being the recipient of air power and air support makes me appreciate being a pilot and CAA,” he said.
Tech. Sgt. John McCoskey
McCoskey, a 15-year veteran, is one of only a few aircraft maintainers to complete the rigorous CAA training so far. He stressed the importance of a maintainer on a CAA team to help ensure whatever aircraft meets flight standards and is safe for flight.