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SCANG Spotlight, Senior Airman Curtis Nye

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashleigh Pavelek
  • 169th Fighter Wing
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Curtis Nye is a weapons loading crew member who ensures that Swamp Fox F-16 fighter jets are locked and loaded before takeoff. 

"We maintain the weapon systems on the F-16 and load the munitions systems and guns on the aircraft," said Nye, an active associate assigned to the 169th Maintenance Squadron.

Nye is a Woodland, Washington native. He has one brother currently in college earning a degree in mechanical engineering and a sister in training at the Air Force Academy to become a pilot.

After high school graduation, Nye enlisted and arrived at McEntire Joint National Guard Base as his first active-duty station.

Nye said that he joined the Air Force for the benefits and the G.I. Bill to help him with his college education.

"McEntire is not like anywhere else, especially, for active duty," said Nye. "Everyone here knows each other and looks out for each other."

Being fast, focused and fit are personal values that Nye takes seriously.

His desire to achieve the best at everything became evident during his 12 years in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the highest rank as an Eagle Scout.   

Nye's hobbies include shooting guns, mountain biking and a passion for fast cars. 

In recent years, Nye has taken fitness to a new level and began competing in body-building competitions.

He recently earned first place in the "overall men's physique" category during the Organizations of Competitive Body Builders Lexington Classic in South Carolina. Nye will also be competing in the World's Natural Body Building Foundation in Sumter and the O.C.B. No Gear Classic in upcoming months. 

"The competitions proves to me that I can reach my goals," said Nye.

Currently, Nye is perusing an associate degree in exercise science from the International Sports Sciences Association. He has already earned four personal training certifications, and is about to achieve two more.

"I want to educate people on fitness and nutrition, and help them achieve their goals," said Nye.

In the future, Nye plans to pursue his master's degree in exercise science and place first in many more body-building competitions.