Adrenaline Overrules Worries in Flying Missions around Iraq, NCUA Reservist Says

MONTGOMERY, Ala.-Though Corporate Credit Union Capital Market Specialist Ricky L. Crews has spent 18 years with NCUA, that does not top the nearly 30 years he has spent as an Air Force reservist. “I became a reservist out of a strong sense of commitment to my country,” Crews said. “It is a way that I can give something back to it for all it has done for me.” The lieutenant colonel, who is currently on active duty at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala., is a flight navigator on a C-130 aircraft, a hulking four-engine turboprop. In addition, Crews is also the commander of the 908th Operations Support Flight (OSF) with about 31 personnel under his command, which primarily plans missions for the Airlift Squadron that he also flies for. The Airlift Squadron’s primary role is to provide troop movement and re-supply for the Army, as well as medical evacuation of wounded personnel. Occasionally, the squadron drops off cargo and troops, too. As a navigator, Crews’ main objective is to get the airplane to its destination on time. His squadron was recently reassigned to Operation Iraqi Freedom, currently flying missions in and around Iraq. He did two tours as part of Operation Enduring Freedom since this latest activation, which began in November 2003. His active duty was recently extended for a second year so he will not be returning to NCUA’s Office of Corporate Credit Unions until November 2005. As capital market specialist, Crews assesses the risk in corporate credit unions’ investment portfolios and teaches specialized investment subjects to corporate examiners. “What me worry?” he commented. “Usually no; however, if we receive a specific intelligence briefing that indicates a greater than usual threat, then I do get somewhat concerned. There is usually enough adrenaline pumping during the missions to cause me not to think too much about the risks.” Crews added that he has not had any close calls to date, “but every mission brings on a new set of opportunities for that kind of thing.” He noted that others in his unit have been in some hairy situations, but could not detail them. Crews has a good bit of exposure to combat operations and has been activated a number of times. He flew missions in 1991 on AC-130 Gunships supporting Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. He also flew combat missions in Operation Just Cause (Panama) and Operation Shining Hope (Bosnia/Kosovo). “I guess you could say I am just a glutton for punishment,” he quipped. For security reasons, Crews declined to comment on his family life. [email protected]