Spouses receive ‘first-class’ treatment during Taxi Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Instructor pilots from the 80th Flying Training Wing were given the opportunity to have their spouses serve as their wingmen Sept. 27 during Taxi Day.

This annual tradition, practiced since the beginning of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program in 1980, allows the pilots to have their spouses sit in the aircraft beside them as they take the jets on a quick ride down the runways.

"I've been waiting 11 years to do this," said Kimberly Moss, wife of 89th FTS's Maj. James Moss. "I'd love to be able to experience what he does." Without even stepping into the T-37 Tweet yet, Mrs. Moss even expressed plans to return for Taxi Day next year.

"It gives the spouses a glimpse of what we do every day," said Capt. Jason Loe of the 90th Flying Training Squadron. "It's a big morale booster, and the highlight of our day."

Throughout the base operations center, excited, chattering voices overlapped each other, several speaking in foreign languages. On the status board, usually reserved for information and notifications concerning weather and landing patterns, a tongue-in-cheek warning stood on the screen: "No fighting in the jets."

"That's just for today," said Maj. Sean Long of the 89th FTS.

Some spouses experienced some minor technical difficulties while en route.

"It was a lot better once I realized I have a visor," said Mel Herndon, while her husband, Capt. Cary Herndon of the 89th FTS, smiled at her. "We were all the way down the runway before I figured out I have sunglasses."

When asked if they'll attend next year, Captain Herndon agreed with one condition: that "she'll drive next time."

About 50 couples from all four flying training squadrons attended the event.