Chief shadow: Senior Airman Derek Miles
By Senior Airman Derek Miles, 39th Operations Support Squadron ground radar technician
/ Published September 23, 2015
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Name and rank: Senior Airman Derek Miles
Squadron: 39th Operations Support Squadron
Job title: Ground radar technician
Job description and how do you contribute to the 39th Air Base Wing's mission?
As a ground radar technician at Incirlik I troubleshoot, repair, and sustain 24-hour operations terminal air control, landing and meteorological systems valued at $9.5 million. I directly contribute to supporting the current fight with the work I do with the radar systems. Air safety and control are critical to our current mission.
What is the one thing you hope to accomplish while at Incirlik?
One thing I hope to accomplish during my time here would be to leave a legacy of excellence and teamwork that people can follow. The short tour mentality can cripple work centers and even the base. Building pride and tradition is the key to making Incirlik the best base in the Air Force.
What has been your biggest lesson learned in the Air Force?
With the right leadership and team anything is possible.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired most of all by my wife. No matter what happens, she overcomes.
What is your number one goal?
To keep moving forward with everything I do. My number one goal is to keep pushing forward like I always have.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would love to say on a beach just enjoying life but that's more like 30 years down the road. In 10 years I plan to hopefully be in a better position in all aspects of life.
Leadership comments:
Senior Airman Miles is a one-of-a-kind Airman. He embodies excellence, innovation and technical expertise all at once. He out-performs his peers and even some non-commissioned officers with his drive, motivation and ability to consistently think outside the box Miles embodies the total concept of Airmanship and represents his section and squadron well.