89 AS pilot takes to the skies with dad

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Air Force Reservist Capt. Jennifer Byrne has always had a passion for flying since she was 8-years-old. The 89th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot had the opportunity March 18, 2015 to fulfill another dream of hers, flying a commercial flight along with her dad, Scott Byrne.

The dad-and-daughter duo, both pilots for American Airlines, had the opportunity to fly together for the first time as first officer and captain. The flight originated from Chicago, Ill., landing in Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas, before its final stop at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif.

Jen had just celebrated one year with American Airlines that day; her father since 1990. She credits her role as a reservist to how this opportunity came about.

"I certainly wouldn't have had this opportunity without the outstanding training and support I received from the 89th and the 445th Airlift Wing," Jen said. "I'm so grateful and proud to be a member of our wing. The 89th AS has become a second family and I'm very grateful to be a part of it."

Jen joined the Air Force reserve in 2009 to make her dream of flying a reality. She grew up with a strong sense of patriotism due to both of her parents serving in the military as well as her grandfather.

"My father flew C-130s in the Air Force at Rhein Mein, Germany as well as C-21s here at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. My mother was a combat medic in the Army based at Stuttgart, Germany and my grandfather was an airplane mechanic in the Marines."

Looking ahead in the future, Jen sees herself moving up in rank and still flying as a commercial and C-17 pilot for the 89th Airlift Squadron. She also plans to participate in more recruiting efforts on behalf of the reserve.

"Joining the reserves was the best decision I've ever made and I'd like to help a new generation follow their dreams in the military. Without the Air Force I would never have had the opportunity to participate in humanitarian aid efforts as well as missions spanning the entire globe."