Spouses get hands on during orientation flight

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  A lucky group of 45th Reconnaissance Squadron family members received an orientation flight aboard the Open Skies OC-135B observation aircraft here May 21.

"We arranged this spouse orientation sortie to familiarize our Air Force spouses and their families with what their members do everyday defending our nation," said Lt. Col. Brian Humphrey, 45th RS commander. "By doing so, they get a better understanding of the mission and the commitment their spouses have made. It is also a great opportunity to meet them and say thanks for the sacrifices that they make."

The day began with a pre-flight briefing and a bus ride to the waiting aircraft. On the flight line, spouses witnessed the hard work put into getting an aircraft ready to fly.

"It's important for them to see the team effort it takes to launch a sortie, from the crew chief assisting with the walk-around inspection to the crew preflight," said Colonel Humphrey.

Once preparations were complete, the spouses climbed aboard and took a three-hour flight to Colorado Springs, Colo. During the flight, spouses had the opportunity to learn about the aircrafts features and mission.

"It was great to see what my husband experiences on a day-to-day basis and how much preparation it takes to get a plane into the air," said Rachael McDaneld, wife of Capt. Louis McDaneld, Open Skies flight commander.

The Open Skies Treaty is an international agreement that allows short-notice unarmed aerial surveillance over countries who sign the treaty to build trust between countries. The treaty was originally proposed in 1955 and was rejected by the Russian government of the time. In May 1989, the U.S. reintroduced the idea of Open Skies as an instrument of confidence building, and 34 countries to date have signed the treaty.

The Open Skies mission began at Offutt when the first OC-135B was assigned in October 1993. The 45th RS operates the two OC135B aircraft that deploy in support of the Open Skies treaty.

"What a great opportunity to experience just a small part of what our spouses experience every day," said Theresa Humphrey, wife of Colonel Humphrey. "The men and women who fly these planes are just plain good at what they do. [I am] proud that my husband is in such good company."