Liberty Maintenance professionals earn Achievement Medals

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madeline Herzog
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Three 48th Fighter Wing Airmen were awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal Oct. 11, 2019 at RAF Lakenheath for their bravery during a fight-or-flight situation.

Staff Sgt. Patrick Theran Jr., Senior Airman Jacob Doyle and Airman 1st Class Jimmy Keenright Jr., all assigned the 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, stopped a potentially devastating brake fire from taking the life of the aircrew on board and from destroying a 34 million dollar aircraft, F-15C Eagle, April 29, 2019.

“We were able to do what we knew how to do,” said Doyle. “None of us has been in a situation like this, but we’ve all had the proper training, and we were able to work together.”

“This is a great opportunity to recognize some quick thinking Airmen, but also step back and put into perspective what maintainers do every day – put safe airplanes in the sky to project combat airpower,” said Lt Col Anthony May, 493rd Fighter Squadron commander. 

Doyle explained the importance of the wingman concept and how essential it is that pilots use their training as well as maintainers to ensure flight safety.

“When something dire happens, each person must respond on their own accord,” said Maj. Daniel Connors, 748th AMXS commander. “It would be so easy to chalk up their response as some automatic reaction based on their training. I don’t see it as such. It was a choice. When faced with fight or flight, they chose to fight. Their actions were swift, deliberate, and coordinated.”

The Airmen initiated a ground emergency, contacted emergency services and established a cordon once they noticed excessive heat emanating from the F-15C right main landing gear.   

“The trust between aircrew and maintenance is a unique bond – I’m proud to work alongside every ‘Gold’ maintainer and thankful for their service and dedication to the air dominance mission,” said May.