Weapon Systems Officer reaches 1,000 combat flying hours

by Staff Sgt. Michael Means
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

1/23/2014 - SOUTHWEST ASIA  -- (Editor's note: The name of Major Dozer is withheld due to security and safety reasons.)

Air Force Maj. "Dozer," a weapons systems officer assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (Chiefs), exceeded 1,000 combat flying hours since his first combat sortie in Spring of 2004.

He reached this feat during his 176th combat sortie which happened here, Jan. 12, 2013.

It just means I've been doing this a while and now I cannot deny that I am one of the old guys, said Dozer.

"Dozer's 1,000th combat hour is a testament to the sustained contribution by both him and the F-15E community over the past 10 years - from the maintainers that keep the jets flying to the operators who employ them in combat," said Air Force Lt. Col Todd Dyer, 355 EFS commander. "There aren't many fighter aviators who can claim that particular accomplishment."

"This has been a team effort," said Dozer. "For every hour that I have spent in the air, our maintainers have spent hundreds of hours keeping these jets in the air. They do great work, and we put our lives in their hands every time we take off."

There are many people and organizations that contribute to a single mission.

Within the operations group we have Aircrew Flight Equipment and Squadron Aviation Resource Management, but there are things happening behind the scenes, said Dozer.

"There are things that we take for granted sometimes, like our security forces Airmen keeping us and our jets safe, logistics keeping parts stocked or fuel in the jets, medical keeping us healthy, or mission support keeping us paid and fed," said Dozer. "I wouldn't have a single combat hour without the contribution of the entire team."

Dozer, a Beeville, Texas, native who is currently assigned to Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., has more than 2,200 flying hours throughout his 13-year career.

"I love my job, protecting the troops on the ground and that there is always something new to learn or improve," said Dozer. "I am surrounded by highly motivated, intelligent, talented people who hold themselves to the highest standards.

Beyond reaching this milestone Dozer is seen as more than a WSO in his unit.

"Dozer is an outstanding asset to the Chiefs," said Dyer. "He also serves as an assistance director of operations, flight examiner and mission commander - he does it all."

"I love being able to say that I've done my part to defend America and all of the great things that America represents," said Dozer.