Canadian pilot calls 2nd ARS home

by Airman 1st Class Ryan Throneberry
Joint base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

7/1/2013 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Capt. Kevin Judd may not be a member of the United States Air Force, but he has certainly found a home at the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron here.

The Royal Canadian Air Force CC-150 Polaris pilot from Deep River, Ontario, has been flying with the 2nd ARS for the past two years as part of the three-year Military Personnel Exchange Program.

The program started in 1998, and through the years Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Chile, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Denmark and Thailand have participated according to an article by Senior Airman Tong Duong.

"I volunteered for the program because I knew it would be a great experience," said Judd. "I was selected for the opportunity because of my tactical air refueling background in Canada."
The Air Force goals of the program include promoting mutual understanding and trust, enhancing interoperability, strengthening air force to air force ties, and developing long-term professional and personal relationships as stated by the 2011 U.S. Air Force Global Partnership Strategy.

"The MPEP allows us to learn as much from our exchange officers as they learn from us," said Lt. Col. William Wade, 2nd ARS commander. "By understanding how the two nations accomplish similar tasks and missions, we are both stronger partners in the end."

Judd has spent his time here learning the U.S's tactics, techniques and procedures and his Canadian training allows him to see potential shortfalls on either side.

"Capt. Judd brings tremendous operational experience in other airframes to 'The Duce' while also bringing in a fresh perspective," said Wade. "He is not hampered by the philosophy of 'that's the way we have always done it,' and he asks hard questions. The answers to those questions are what helps make us a better unit and crew force."

Judd was not trained in the states, but professionalism knows no nationality.

"While there are some big differences between the U.S. and Canadian air forces, we both hold our pilots to the same standard," said Judd. "The size and scope of the U.S. Air Force is much larger but the professionalism and excellence expected from a pilot is universal."

The Canadian pilot is also receiving as much knowledge as he is sharing, which is the essence of the program.

"Judd is learning how we administer, operate, and employ our crews and aircraft," said Wade. "When his exchange is complete, he will take that information and knowledge back to Canada. He is an extremely valuable member of 'The Duce' team and we are thankful to call him a fellow Ducer, regardless of what nation's patch he wears on his shoulder."

Judd has one more year here at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst before returning to the 437 Transport Squadron in Canada as the head of training.

"The 2nd ARS has been very welcoming since my family and I arrived here," said Judd. "This is a great program and I hope it continues long into the future."