SSgt Eric Owens

Air Force | Tactical Aircraft Maintenance

Dates of Service: Feb 1979 - Apr 1985

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Bio

I have written two books. INSIDE THE RED LINE and a Fiction Novel. I love to write. Love coffee. Love the mountains. Love my family and my country. I enjoy quiet time at home reading a book. I've hiked hundreds of miles of trails in the PNW, have photographed many landscapes. Even published some of them. I hope to connect with other airmen here.

Military Experiences

Sep 1983 - Apr 1985

Tactical Aircraft Maintenance

72nd Tactical Fighter Training Squadron | MacDill AFB, FL

6:30 AM EST Kicking the Tires The aircrew arrives in a step van from flight operations to the aircraft. The pilot steps out carrying his helmet bag. “Good morning chief”. "Morning Sir", I say as he asks how the jet is doing. It’s Capt. Acosta; he’s funny you’d like him and is a great pilot. We look over the maintenance log together. “She is FMC sir." I tell him with a smile. We begin our pre-flight inspection together. I help get him strapped into the cockpit. I tell him “It’s a beautiful day to fly sir”, he responds “Yes it is chief, want to come along?” I smile back saying “Thank you sir but I don’t think my ego would fit into the cockpit, besides someone has to help you park this thing when you get back.”

Sep 1979 - Jul 1983

Administrative NCO

Aeronautical Systems Division | Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

My first assignment was the F15 Systems Programming Office in Area B providing administrative support. Not long after that I was assigned to another group supporting several groups. Back in those days Wright Patterson has Wang terminals. The first IBM word processors weren't until around 81 and they were huge. It was one of the best jobs and assignments ever. It is a great base. Lot's of history. Yes I did see the real Hanger 18 and much more.

Deployments

(1 year, 8 months)

Sep 1983 - Apr 1985

MacDill AFB, FL

This was not a deployment outside of the U.S. Thought I would add it in anyway. Assigned to the 56th Tactical Fighter Training Wing, 4456 AGS, 72nd AMU, Black Squadron.