Staff Sgt. Erin McLoughlin

Published Sept. 23, 2011
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- "Tip of the Spear" is a monthly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Staff Sgt. Erin McLoughlin, AC-130U instructor loadmaster of the 4th Special Operations Squadron, was selected for this month's spotlight.

Name: Staff Sgt. Erin McLoughlin

Unit: 4th Special Operations Squadron

Duty Title: AC-130U instructor loadmaster

Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.

Date Entered the Air Force: July 8, 2003

Hobbies: Crossfit/working out, hiking and anything outdoors.

Why did you join the Air Force?
I knew in junior high school that I wanted a job that would satisfy my need to help and protect people. I had wanted to be a firefighter since I could remember, but after 9/11 occurred, I felt compelled to be a part of something larger and more operationally forward. Against my parents' will and advice, I enlisted rather than going to college. I believe it was the best decision and the right thing to do as an American citizen.

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
My Air Force specialty and aircraft are extremely unique. It directly contributes to the mission by providing our allies close air support, enabling them to effectively and safely prosecute objectives. I take great pride in assisting special operations forces personnel downrange and in training. If they get to come home to their loved ones, then we have done our job.

If you were Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force?
I would bring people back into the force. Customer service, networking and interpersonal relationships go a long way. We spend too much time on computer-based training, doing our own finances and any new electronic processes that took the place of an individual. I would rather talk to and be trained by a real person.

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
The people that work here. It's nice to finally work with those that have the same mentality and truly want to be here. I have always wanted to support our special operators, and it's an honor to be a part of that.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
I enjoy the camaraderie the most. Secondly, as a civilian, I would never be afforded the experiences, opportunities and memories that the Air Force has provided.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
Time flies! Write it down, take pictures and record your career. I wish I had more to show or tell my family at home or even someday if I have a family of my own.

What motivates you at work?
I want to be one of the best. I want my Airmen, co-workers and leadership to be able to rely on me and come to me with confidence. It's flattering to have people ask you to fly or work with them.

Who are your heroes/role models?
I can't name just one person. I admire those who follow their dreams, have the courage to do so and fight for what they believe in. I will stand by or behind a person that knows who they are and honors that. Those people go a long way in my book.

Advice to others?
The best advice I have was said by someone I respect: "Lead those who need your guidance, follow those you can learn from and make happen what is missing between the two."

Why was she selected?
"Staff Sgt. McLoughlin she excelled as our planner and was THE reason we were able to support 100 percent of training. She reworked live-fire plan when two sorties cancelled due to weather and made three live-fire nights fit into one, requiring range extensions and a short notice tanker retasking to work a seven-and-a-half hour live fire. During dry-fire when we could not air refuel due to maintenance, she worked a ground gas option on the fly while we were airborne, salvaging the rest of the dry-fire night and again resulted in 100 percent training complete. She planned a short-notice mission night after the Army's 3/75 Ranger Regiment commander exercised minimum notice to launch scenario. She worked the vast majority of the planning while we were in crew rest, and the sortie was 100 percent successful. Bottom line: she was on top of things and made the mission happen from the planning end."
-Capt. Christopher Jennette, 4th SOS AC-130U pilot