Photo By Senior Airman TraVonna Hawkins | Capt. Robert Allen, pilot, 155th Airlift Squadron, 164th Airlift Wing poses for a...... read more read more
RAMSTEIN AIR FORCE BASE, Germany — Two C-17 pilots from the 155th Airlift Squadron, 164th Airlift Wing, Memphis, Tenn., completed their “dollar rides,” also known as first operational flights, during an aeromedical evacuation mission at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany December 4-12, 2024, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
A dollar ride originates from pilot training, where nothing in life is free and everything is graded. The term comes from the tradition of a “free,” ungraded flight costing a symbolic dollar in an operational setting, it refers to a pilot’s first ocean crossing as a crew member, where they apply years of training while facing unique challenges.
2nd Lt. Elijah French, a new co-pilot with the 155th, noted learning the intricacies of operating the C-17 while adjusting to a new rhythm was a challenge he faced.
“Being that it’s my first trip, figuring out a sleep schedule has been somewhat of a challenge,” French said. “Also, as a brand-new co-pilot, I would say just learning and trying to absorb all the new information that comes with operating the C-17.”
However, the mission was not only French’s first flight but also a continuation of a family legacy.
“Getting to grow up with a father who was a member of the unit [164th Airlift Wing] and seeing his life progress and flourish all due to the opportunity that the unit gave him back in the 1990s when he was sent to pilot training,” French shared. “I always dreamed of following in his footsteps, and I felt like it was a way for me to give back to the unit as well, considering all that it’s done for my family.”
French described the AE mission as one that involves setting up a small litter station and transporting sick or injured patients to receive proper treatment, and his role is one element of the bigger picture.
“As a pilot, we’re just one piece of the puzzle,” French said. “Lots of moving parts and coordination behind the scenes take place. We move the aircraft around for other crew members to better do their jobs and accomplish what they’re tasked to do.”
Capt. Robert Allen, who transitioned to the 164th Airlift Wing after 16 years of service in the U.S. Navy, six years as a helicopter mechanic and 10 years as a Lockheed EP-3 pilot, also completed his dollar ride on this AE mission.
“I was always told how the military was like a family, and there were definitely small snippets of that happening,” Allen said. “When I found out about the Air National Guard after being in the Navy for more than 10 years. I started to look into the 164th. It seemed more like a family unit. I witnessed what I believe the military should be, and it was nice that the Guard gave me the opportunity to join their family.”
Allen described AE missions as flights that include a medical team in the cargo bay, ready to assist patients overseas who need greater medical support.
“We land and on-board patients, then provide care while we fly them to a better location for their needs,” Allen explained. “It was enlightening to see how it all came together to get people the care that they needed.”
While Allen reflected on his eye-opening experience, French expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to fly for the 155th.
“I’d just like to say how thankful I am to have received a pilot slot and I am getting to fly for the 155th,” French said. “I’ve gotten to meet and fly with some awesome people on my dollar ride trip and I am looking forward to many more trips to come.”
The successful mission at Ramstein Air Force Base highlighted the readiness of the 155th Airlift Squadron and the next generation of pilots stepping up to carry on the 164th’s proud legacy.
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| Date Taken: | 12.16.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2024 09:11 |
| Story ID: | 487826 |
| Location: | RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, DE |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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