Photo By Tech. Sgt. Michelle Alvarez | U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Javier Ramos, 156th Airlift Wing, Puerto Rico Air National...... read more read more
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Puerto Rico Air National Guard Lt. Col. Javier Ramos, a Puerto Rico native, grew up in a military family with Army and Air Force heritage so it was no surprise when he decided to serve his country and his community and joined the Air Force himself.
Ramos graduated from the University of Mayaguez in Puerto Rico with a degree in mechanical engineering but always felt like there was something missing.
“It is in my blood to serve, I knew it was my calling” said Ramos.
As a military navigator and inspector general, Ramos develops the routes for aircraft missions and guides the airplanes that the Air National Guard uses in both combat and non-combat missions. Navigators read maps and use radar and other methods to guide the pilot safely to their destination. He is also responsible for ensuring the 156th Airlift Wing personnel are trained and using current checklists to facilitate effective monitoring while also maintaining ongoing assessments to help the mission run smoothly.
One of the things Ramos explains he loves most about his job is the variation in daily tasks it provides. He has more than 4,100 flight hours and says he feels he is never doing the exact same thing every day.
When Hurricane Maria was scheduled to hit the island, he was sent to Savannah, GA to evacuate and protect the aircraft of the 156th Airlift Wing, a requirement any time wind gusts exceed 50 mph.
Ramos explained the fear he had at leaving his family behind to fulfill the mission.
“I am lucky to have family close by and my wife was able to stay with her mother” he said.
Ramos said “The Wing has six aircraft and its critical we do what we can to protect and preserve those assets. If we have an aircraft go down, it impacts our training and limits our ability to perform standard operations or respond to critical recovery relief missions.”
Four days after the storm, Ramos returned the aircraft to the island, unsure of what condition he would find his home or his family in.
“My wife had told me how bad the storm was so I was expecting complete devastation when I landed but seeing it for my own eyes, I knew we had a long road ahead of us” he said.
Despite the devastation to his neighborhood and his home, Ramos was eager to return to duty. Three days later he did exactly that.
“I want to help people. It’s not only my job, it’s my duty. I am here to serve and I love it. Until they kick me out, I will be here doing whatever they need, wherever they need me, regardless of the situation.”
| Date Taken: | 10.02.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 10.02.2017 15:23 |
| Story ID: | 250269 |
| Location: | PR |
| Web Views: | 527 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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