By Sara Vidoni, Team Eglin Public Affairs / Published May 11, 2015
Whitney Smith, a Shalimar attorney and 53rd Wing honorary commander looks on as Senior Airman, Benjamin Webb, of the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, instructs her on proper helmet and oxygen mask fit during an aircraft flight equipment fitting May 6 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The AFE fitting was required to prepare Smith for an incentive flight in an F-15E Strike Eagle. This was the first incentive flight awarded to an honorary commander in more than three years. The 53rd Wing’s honorary commander program allows local community leaders the unique opportunity to interact with and learn about the 53rd Wing Airmen, their mission and the role they play in supporting the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Ilka Cole)
An air flight equipment technician with the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, laces the anti-G suit of Whitney Smith, a Shalimar attorney and 53rd Wing honorary commander, during an aircraft flight equipment fitting May 6 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The AFE fitting was required to prepare Smith for G forces during her incentive flight in an F-15E Strike Eagle. This was the first incentive flight awarded to an honorary commander in more than three years. The 53rd Wing’s honorary commander program allows local community leaders the unique opportunity to interact with and learn about the 53rd Wing Airmen, their mission and the role they play in supporting the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Ilka Cole)
Whitney Smith, a Shalimar attorney and 53rd Wing honorary commander, looks on as William Talton, a 96th Operations Support Squadron aviation flight equipment instructor, performs a safety check of the hanging harness during emergency parachute training May 6 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The EPT was required to prepare Smith for an incentive flight in an F-15E Strike Eagle. This was the first incentive flight awarded to an honorary commander in more than three years. The 53rd Wing’s honorary commander program allows local community leaders the unique opportunity to interact with and learn about the 53rd Wing Airmen, their mission and the role they play in supporting the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Ilka Cole)
Whitney Smith, a Shalimar attorney and 53rd Wing honorary commander, practices parachute control during emergency parachute training May 6 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The EPT was required to prepare Smith for an incentive flight in an F-15E Strike Eagle. This was the first incentive flight awarded to an honorary commander in more than three years. The 53rd Wing’s honorary commander program allows local community leaders the unique opportunity to interact with and learn about the 53rd Wing Airmen, their mission and the role they play in supporting the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Ilka Cole)
Whitney Smith, the 53rd Wing honorary commander, prepares for takeoff during an incentive flight May 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Smith had the opportunity to fly in an F-15E Strike Eagle piloted by Maj. William Wooten, of the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. This was the first incentive flight awarded to a 53rd Wing honorary commander in more than three years. The 53rd Wing’s honorary commander program allows local community members a unique opportunity to interact with and learn about 53rd Wing Airmen, their mission and the role they play in supporting the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sara Vidoni)
A crew chief marshalls in an F-15E Strike Eagle as part of an incentive flight May 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Whitney Smith, the 53rd Wing honorary commander, had the opportunity to fly in an F-15 piloted by Maj. William Wooten, of the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. This was the first incentive flight awarded to a 53rd Wing honorary commander in more than three years. The 53rd Wing’s honorary commander program allows local community members a unique opportunity to interact with and learn about 53rd Wing Airmen, their mission and the role they play in supporting the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sara Vidoni)
Whitney Smith, the 53rd Wing honorary commander, waves to her family and friends following an incentive flight May 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Smith had the opportunity to fly in an F-15E Strike Eagle piloted by Maj. William Wooten, of the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. This was the first incentive flight awarded to a 53rd Wing honorary commander in more than three years. The 53rd Wing’s honorary commander program allows local community members a unique opportunity to interact with and learn about 53rd Wing Airmen, their mission and the role they play in supporting the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sara Vidoni)