Capt. Michael Shahen

  • Published
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  "Tip of the Spear" is a weekly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Capt. Michael Shahen, 9th Special Operations Squadron pilot, was selected for this week's spotlight.

Name: Capt. Michael Shahen III

Unit: 9th Special Operations Squadron

Duty Title: MC-130P aircraft commander and chief of plans

Hometown: Clifton Park, N.Y.

Date Entered the Air Force: May 23, 2003

Hobbies: Working out and competitive shooting

Why did you join the Air Force?
I wanted to be a pilot.

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
We provide airlift, airdrop and helicopter/tilt-rotor air refueling to special operations forces in support of combat operations.

If you were Chief of Staff of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force?
I would reduce the amount of computer based training!

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
I like the variety and uniqueness of the aircraft stationed there and the shooting range.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
The opportunity to travel worldwide and the camaraderie we share as Airmen. I think that would be a difficult thing to find in a typical civilian job.

Who are your heroes/role models?
My father. He got me interested in aviation and encouraged me to pursue it in the Air Force.

Advice to others?
I've always been told don't chase your dreams, live them.

Why was he selected?
"Captain Shahen recently returned from back-to-back, down-range deployments where he and his crew established unmatched credibility with their airdrop accuracy for special operations ground forces in Afghanistan.  On one occasion, he and his crew delivered an emergency resupply airdrop of food and ammunition a mere 10 feet from the ground of the team's desired point of impact. He embodies the "half the equipment, twice the skill" mission ethos of the 9th SOS."
- Lt. Col. John Cline, 9th SOS commander