Liberty Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. English Published March 23, 2015 By 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Name and Rank: Tech. Sgt. Gene English Unit: 48th Operations Support Squadron Duty Title: Assistant Flight Chief Time in Service: 14 years Time at RAF Lakenheath: 4 years Hometown: Wilmington, N.C. Hobbies: Powerlifting, traveling with my family, music, cooking and watching the Liverpool Football Club with my son Core Values Portrayed: Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do How does the individual portray these core values? English was submitted for a Liberty Spotlight by Master Sgt. Matthew Mitchell, 48th Operations Support Squadron weather flight chief. According to Mitchell, English has been vital to the success of the weather flight over the past several years. English recently deployed in support of Red Flag15-1, where he provided world-class weather support to 124 aircrews from three different nations. His unmatched weather expertise ensured the successful completion of more than 2,200 sorties across a 7,000 square-mile area. Furthermore, he accurately identified an area of icing that had not previously been forecasted which led to the cancellation of all flights for two consecutive days, resulting in the safety and preservation of $6.17 billion worth of aircraft, not to mention the safety of the aircrews themselves. Additionally, English cross-fed three weather products to the fighter operations support team at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, ensuring future Red Flag exercises will receive optimum weather support. His actions continuously exemplify Excellence In All We Do and Service Before Self. Why did you join the Air Force? It sounds selfish, but I initially needed a way to pay for college. There was a family history of military service, and at the suggestion of my mom, I joined the Air Force. My mom's suggestion turned out to be the best advice I've ever received. How does your job support the mission of the 48th Fighter Wing? I coordinate with multiple agencies across the theater to ensure weather support is provided to our flying squadrons both here at home as well as when they're out on the road. I'm also responsible for forecasting severe or hazardous weather and advising senior staff of its potential impacts to the mission and base populace. In addition, I help supervise an award-winning weather flight filled with some of the best forecasters I've worked with. What is your favorite part of your job? I like that I'm not tied down to a desk. I work in different locations with different people. There's something different every day; it's definitely not boring. What drives you as an Airman? Helping others - I'm lucky enough to be in a position to help other Airmen with issues that arise. I had a lot of amazing, and some not so amazing, supervisors when I was coming up through the ranks. Everything I've learned thus far has allowed me to help others realize their goals. What skills do you possess that set you apart from others? It sounds cliché, but I really am an out of the box thinker. I've also been told I have a very calm personality and that I'm good under pressure, a skill that comes in handy when weather is doing its best to completely disrupt flight operations. What has been your favorite place to travel in England/Europe, or where would you like to travel to? Munich and Vienna have been my favorite places to visit in Europe so far. I've been lucky enough to have spent almost nine years in Europe, but nothing really compares to Munich and Vienna. Here in England, my wife and I really enjoyed Liverpool.