F-15E aircrew promoted during sortie

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  The 492nd Fighter Squadron recently took advantage of a rare opportunity to promote two of their own during a sortie over the California desert in support of exercise Green Flag 16-9 Sep 1.

U.S. Air Force Captain Harry Starnes, 492nd FS F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and Captain Matthew Dvorsky, 492nd FS F-15E Strike Eagle weapon systems officer accepted their promotion to the rank of Major by their wingman Lt. Col. Matthew Hund, 492nd FS commander, via radio communication.

“It’s always a great day when you can promote two of your best and celebrate their advancement into the field grade officer tier,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Hund, 492nd Fighter Squadron commander
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Starnes and Dvorsky have been assigned to the 492nd FS located at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England since January 2015 and September 2014 respectively, but have been flying on temporary duty out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada in support of exercise Red Flag 16-4 and Green Flag 16-9, which focus on intense air-to-air and air-to-ground combat training scenarios with joint U.S. forces and allies.

"Obviously it’s great to advance, but it means a little extra when your commander promotes you while flying as your wingman during a sortie,” said Starnes.

With their fresh bronze oak leaf affixed to their flight suits, the 492nd will certainly expect great things in the future from Majors Starnes and Dvorsky as they wrap up a two-month long “road show” in the States before heading back to the United Kingdom.