Whiteman enlisted becomes B-2 co-pilot for a day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Tech. Sgt. David Shockley, 509th Maintenance Operations Squadron crew chief inspector, became the second enlisted member to fly in a B-2 Spirit Feb. 22.

"It's an awesome and inspiring achievement for TSgt Shockley to be the second enlisted member to ever fly in the B-2," said Capt. Eric Van Veldhuizen, 509th Bomb Squadron flight commander. "He joins an elite list of professional aviators, military leaders, and distinguished civilians who have flown the B-2.

"It seems fitting that we invest precious flying resources in one of our own, with a chance to fly in the airframe he has worked so hard to maintain and launch over the past year," the captain added. "It also offers a chance for one of our maintenance professionals to see and experience the B-2 from an operations perspective."

Sergeant Shockley received the orientation flight for being recognized as the 509th Bomb Wing Crew Chief of the Year and Eight Air Force Crew Chief of the Year for 2009.

"Both are impressive especially considering the caliber of maintainers here at Whiteman alone," said Lt. Col. Mark Pye, 13th Bomb Squadron commander and pilot of the orientation flight.

"Flying with a hand-selected warrior who represents both the backbone of our Air Force and the core of our stealth combat capability was an honor professionally and personally," said Colonel Pye. "Frankly, I think I was the fortunate one here with this opportunity representing other aviators in rewarding just one of our many maintenance brothers and sisters in arms who work hard daily to provide this incredibly important combat capability to our nation."

"I've been here a long time, 13 years, and I never thought me, a maintainer, would have the chance of flying in a B-2," the sergeant added. "I know it's been done once before, but to have my turn was exciting."

"I personally think it's the perfect reward for the best of our crew chiefs and maintainers who support us on the flight line everyday; it's unfortunate that we simply can't afford the same opportunity to the many more who also give their best to make our mission happen," Captain Van Veldhuizen said.

Sergeant Shockley said he spent the entire day training and going through orientation.

"I was able to use the B-2 simulator, which by itself was awesome," Sergeant Shockley exclaimed. "Then to top it off, I actually got to fly in the jet. It was fantastic."

The flight took off around 4 p.m., and lasted about 30 minutes. The sortie flew to the east near Sedalia, Mo., and finished with a final approach from Green Ridge, Mo., to the south.

"Once I was in the plane and the wheels started rolling, my mind went blank," Sergeant Shockley said. "Honestly, the minute we came off the breaks and started rolling forward, I lost my mind.

"As soon as we broke ground I started hooting and hollering," he added. "I was trying to look at everything at once. It was such a rush!"

Sergeant Shockley appreciated seeing a B-2 flight from inside the cockpit.

"It's been a long time and I've done a lot of work on the B-2, so to be able to fly in one and watch what the pilots are actually doing in the air, was a great experience," Sergeant Shockley said. "I couldn't be more grateful for all the work that was done to get me up in the aircraft."