The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker Air Force Base is home to a diverse civilian workforce spanning all walks of life. Gregory Hightower, 552nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire shop specialist, traces the roots of his service here to his father, Hubert Hightower, a World War II Veteran who served aboard the USS Broadbill minesweeper in the European theatre.
Hubert dropped out of Lexington High School during his senior year to join the U.S. Navy. His ship spent countless hours searching for and defeating Axis-laid sea mines in preparation for the upcoming D-Day invasion. His naval duties also took him to Africa and South America.
Gregory mentioned to 76th CMXG Commander Col. James Petrick that his father was a WWII Veteran during the Commodities Maintenance Group’s annual holiday party. Gregory also shared that his father’s last memories of combat capabilities were of WWII technology. He said his father would enjoy seeing how far the Air Force and U.S. military have evolved as a fighting force.
Chad Curl, 552nd CMXS director, coordinated with the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group to arrange an engine test cell tour for Hubert. An F135 engine test was specifically selected to be showcased. The F135 powers the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightening II, the nation’s newest and most dynamic fighter aircraft.
On Dec. 21, Hubert and his family saw an F135 Augmenter Performance Check. In this test the F135 engine is first spooled up to idle to get several baseline metrics measurements. The performance data is then compared to engineering specifications to determine if the engine is operating properly. Next, the technicians must put the engine through all of the rigors of a wartime situation to ensure the engine can perform at peak performance. After the engine passes this intense performance check it is stamped “war ready” and shipped to units throughout the world. During this test, Hubert was awe struck as he watched the Air Force’s most modern fighter engine operate at 100 percent power.
The entire Air Logistics Center team was honored to demonstrate the world’s greatest air power to a real hometown hero.
Hubert spoke to his son about how amazing it was that not only has the Air Force developed next tier war-fighting capability, but also has developed a world class sustainment capability that can bring the fight not just once, but continually and as long as necessary.
“I’m proud of the country I fought for, proud of how far we’ve come and proud of my son for continuing the legacy,” Hubert said.