Operational support Airman proves vital to flying mission success at Lakenheath

Published Aug. 9, 2024
By Staff Sgt. Gaspar Cortez
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Taylor Lair, 48th Operational Support Squadron wing scheduler poses for a portrait at RAF Lakenheath, England, June 4, 2024. The 48th OSS’s mission is to enable responsive combat airpower support of the 48th Fighter Wing anytime and anyplace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gaspar Cortez)

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At the heart of this installation, the precision and capability of the wing’s airpower are on full display through the coordinated efforts of the 48th Operations Support Squadron. One airman’s relentless dedication and exceptional skills are pivotal in ensuring the seamless execution of the 48th Fighter Wing’s flying mission.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Taylor Lair, 48th OSS F-15 scheduling and training lead, plays a key role in orchestrating the complex choreography required for maintaining flying operations for two F-15 Strike Eagle and two F-35A Lightning II squadrons.

“On any given day, I can be found meticulously organizing airspace and coordinating essential support such as air refueling, C2, ground-controlled interception, threat transmitters, and communication frequencies for the fighter squadrons,” said Lair.

“My responsibilities demand constant communication with the London Area Control Center Aerospace Scheduling Agency, to secure and deconflict airspace for both our fighter jets and the RAF Mildenhall’s U.S. Air Force KC-135s.”

Lair’s role also requires her to facilitate integration between partner nations and the installation’s four fighter squadrons, as well as other wings across U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa.

At the end of each day, Lair sends out detailed schedules for the next day’s operations. These schedules contain mission-critical information such as aerial refueling windows, airspace allocations, and flying window availability.

U.S. Air Force member looks at a computer screen. — U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Taylor Lair, 48th Operational Support Squadron wing scheduler, communicates with the host nation through a UK military online platform to book airspace for the fighter squadrons at RAF Lakenheath, England, June 4, 2024. Wing scheduling helps ensure airspace is available for flight operations allowing the fighter squadrons to maintain combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gaspar Cortez)

Her journey to the 48th OSS began unexpectedly. Originally a member of a squadron’s aviation resource management office. Last October she transitioned to the wing scheduling office at the 48th OSS.

In this new environment, she faced the challenge of learning and mastering 12 new daily tasks, including negotiating the needs of all four fighter squadrons with the needs of U.K. and other external agencies.

“Senior Airman Lair's exceptional adaptability and dedication quickly became apparent," said Master Sgt. Victoria Hartley, 493rd FS senior enlisted leader. “Within a month, she had taken over a non-commissioned officer position as the 48 FW flying hour program manager, responsible for aligning each aircraft's hours and sorties with maintenance analysis and reporting to Air Combat Command.”

Hartley praised Lair’s contributions to the 48th OSS team as transformative, noting that she has created 90% of the available continuity and trained five personnel on the wing’s scheduling and flying hour program.

Lair's daily duties directly contribute to aircrew readiness in support of the mission of the 48th OSS: to enable responsive combat airpower in support of the 48th FW anytime and any place.

Lt. Col. Ty Bowen, 48th OSS commander, underscores the value of Multi-Capable Airmen like Lair.

Multiple-Capable Airmen are critical to our flexibility in today's Air Force," said Bowen. "They allow the Air Force to move strategic and tactical assets throughout the world with lean agility that strikes fear into our enemy.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ty Bowen, 48th Operations Support Squadron commander

U.S. Air Force member plays a violin — U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Taylor Lair, 48th Operational Support Squadron wing scheduler, poses for a photo at RAF Lakenheath, England, June 4, 2024. SrA Lair played the violin for several change of commands to include the Liberty Wing Airman of the Year awards for 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gaspar Cortez)

He went on to recognize her importance to the mission beyond her technical skills.

"Lair's work ethic and determination are the cornerstones of her success as she embodies the high standards and resilience required in the high-paced environment of a fighter wing," said Bowen.

Outside of work, Lair is committed to personal and community growth. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree and volunteers at the post office. She also plays the U.S. National Anthem on her violin for official functions across the wing.

Lair is dedicated to the mission and her community at RAF Lakenheath. her commitment plays a key role in ensuring the 48th OSS flying mission requirements are met and the wing remains combat-ready and capable of responding to any challenge, anytime and any place.