LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The first civilian to deploy from the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing recently returned from a 90-day assignment in Southwest Asia.
Dave Pearson, assigned to the 497th ISR Group's Plans and Programs section, served with the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron as the chief of mission management from December 2011 to March 2012. The unit supports flying missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Serving as a civilian downrange took Pearson some getting used to, especially living in a trailer and having shower and bathroom facilities in another building.
"You get so used to home comforts and take them for granted," said Pearson. "You soon see how good you have it back in the states."
The base where he deployed had many more contractors than civilians supporting an operational unit. However , the Airmen assigned to the unit quickly adopted Pearson and developed a lasting professional relationship with him.
"At first the aircrews were not accustomed to a civilian being deployed with them, Pearson said. "But after the first two weeks they could see an appreciation for operations and working as a team. We have very dedicated Airmen to their profession."
This was Pearson's first deployment as a civilian. While on active-duty in 2000, he deployed to Saudi Arabia for an extended period of time.
But this time, thanks to social media, he stayed connected to loved ones back home - a luxury he did not have 12 years ago. Pearson appreciates the total support of this family during his many deployments. They understand his passion for service and desire to serve, he said.
Pearson's motivated by other civilians who have deployed, and now feels he understands the working environment and operations 480th ISR Wing Airmen execute on a daily basis. He feels honored to do his part as did civilians before him.
"They've made a sacrifice they didn't have to make," he said.
He wants the Airmen at his unit to know civilians are in the fight and willing to make sacrifices to support OEF operational missions. Most importantly, Pearson's time in Southwest Asia gave him a sense of understanding and appreciation that all Airmen make while deployed.
Pearson highly recommends other civilian employees volunteer for deployments, as it sharpens your skill sets, has a significant impact on operations, gives you a greater sense of esprit de corps and gives you the opportunity to watch Airmen fly, fight and win around the globe.
"It was very humbling to see the aircrews grind it out every day, flying 12-hour missions, providing real-time intelligence and saving lives," Pearson said. "It was awe-inspiring to see how missions were planned and executed and the interaction between an aircrew and ground forces."
Pearson was able to provide new capabilities to his deployed unit.
"The aircrews were appreciative and knew they could request support from the 480th ISR Wing, something they didn't think they could do before," he said.
Pearson gained a sense of satisfaction by providing those new capabilities to the 763 ERS and providing better intelligence products which can save lives.
"That's why civilians want to deploy," Pearson said.