Names, planes have changed--fight still the same Published Sept. 11, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Jacob R. McCarthy Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- It's rare when Airmen have the chance to meet even one war hero outside of a formal setting, but to engage with five of them in a casual open forum is a golden opportunity. The men and women of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School were given a once in a lifetime opportunity when five former Korean and Vietnam fighter pilots visited the weapons school here Sept. 7 to share their Air Force experience with the younger generation of pilots and crew members. Retired Maj. Gen. Carl "Duke" Schneider, retired Cols. Ralph "Hoot" Gibson, Pete Carpenter, Sam Shealy and Mr. Robert Moxley visited the school as a pregame to their week-long goodwill mission to U.S. air bases throughout South Korea in honor of the Air Force's 60th anniversary. The former Air Force pilots have flown a combined total of more than 600 combat missions in both the Korean War and Vietnam Conflict in aircraft ranging from the P-80, F-86, F-100 and F-4. "It was great to hear them talk about skill sets they developed back then that we use to employ our aircraft today," said Capt. Chris Cassem, the 17th Weapons Squadron flight commander at the weapons school here. "Many of the traits and characteristics that helped preserve them in their fights are still relevant today." These veteran pilots are the pioneers who began using tactics and equipment today's fighter pilots have grown accustomed to such as nighttime combat operations and precision-guided munitions. A pilot's desire to stay sharp, engage the enemy and improve the materials used in combat is just as important today as it was 50 years ago, said Captain Cassem. One pilot on hand took the honor of shooting down five enemy aircraft while in combat. "Colonel Gibson becoming an "ace" is a fantastic accomplishment," Maj. Richard Goodman, an instructor pilot with the 17th Weapons Squadron, said. "Destroying an enemy aircraft in combat is the pinnacle of a fighter pilot's dream." Colonel Gibson is one of only 40 "MiG killers" to achieve the status of ace while fighting in the skies over Korea. The veteran's visit wasn't solely intended for fighter pilots. Pilots at the weapons school remind us that enlisted Airmen have the opportunity to learn something as well. Airmen play a key role as part of a team that's bigger than themselves, said Major Goodman. "The important thing we can all take away is never to lose contact with our history as an Air Force and our history as a nation," said Captain Cassem. Colonel Gibson closed his comments with a few words intended for all Airmen--"Work hard, listen to your superiors and perform well everyday."
