Summit allows face-to-face discussions

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Connor Schneider Mundt
  • 80th Operations Support Squadron

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 80th Operations Support Squadron hosted the first ever White Jet OSS Summit at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, May 7-8, 2019.

Representatives from the 12th  Operations Support Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, 14th OSS at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi; and 71st OSS, at Vance AFB, Oklahoma, were in attendance.

2nd Lt. Connor Schneider Mundt, 80th OSS commander's executive administrator explained that the summit was an opportunity to make connections between the squadrons. He further stated that the face-to-face discussions helped build relationships that would overall broaden the experience of the individual teams.

“The attendees were given tours of our facilities to fuel a conversation about similarities and differences between our operations and theirs,” said Mundt. “Many were particularly interested in our virtual reality simulators used to train pilots as well as tower and radar approach controllers. Sheppard is not the only base pursuing these technologies and a collaborative approach to implementing them will maximize efforts.”

During group discussion, the room was in total agreement that despite geographical separation, each OSS is working toward the same goal and that it makes sense to work together when they can.

For some, the persepective, knowledge and connections gained at the summit will help develop other programs even further.

“The OSS Summit was a great opportunity for networking, problem solving and career broadening,” said Mundt. “The lessons learned and shared experiences are sure to stick with the OSS representatives as they return home and press on with new ideas and new connections.”