LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Senior Airman River Shank, 4th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, was chosen by wing leadership to be this week’s “XLer,” Aug. 3.
The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Michelle Pryor, 47th Flying Training Wing vice commander, is presented to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and Laughlin’s mission.
Shank expedited special flights in and out of Laughlin, de-conflicting important aspects of flight plans, paving the way for the wing change of command.
“Special air mission flights are like working [with] any other aircraft, except you’re just making sure they don’t have any delays,” said Shank. “[By] coordinating with tower, talking to Houston Center, and following all procedure checklists, we got that aircraft on their way as fast as possible.”
Shank also completed the Air Force Trainer Course, setting aside valuable time to hone his instructor skillset. His training helped him guide a trainee through a certification in less than half of the allotted time.
“The AFTC was a bit different because our career field training is not based off of computer training, but performance during on-the-job training,” said Shank. “I definitely leaned some great tools to help identify what would be the best way to help identify what would be the best way to help teach trainees.”
Known as an “ATC juggernaut,” by his leadership, Shank blazed through four positions in 55 percent of the time given, while scoring a 92-percent average on the tests, leaving him merely two positions away from the coveted radar approach controller certification.
“What mainly got me through all my training [as fast as I did] were my trainers and supervisors always looking out for me, making sure I got the best training that I could,” said Shank. “There were hours upon hours of studying, then having my trainers run simulations on me, then eventually applying that knowledge.”
Shank also guided a Laughlin T-6 Texan II experiencing an engine malfunction to an auxiliary airfield that allowed the crew to land safely.
“I remember that emergency very well because it was the first one that I’ve worked as a five-level without a monitor,” said Shank. “[But] my trainer ran me through many scenarios on different emergencies so it wasn’t as difficult as it could seem because I was prepared.”
While Shank is in the spotlight, he stressed the importance of having a good team behind him.
“My mentors were my crew bosses and trainers,” said Shank. “I saw what they were doing and I wanted to do that. They helped me hone my skills so I am able to do what I do today, and I am very grateful for that.”