MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. -- U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Luke Ikeda, a crew chief assigned to the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, has a reputation for being a leader.
Ikeda joined active duty Air Force while living in Hawaii to further his education. McEntire is his first duty station, and he arrived earlier this year.
“I joined the Air Force to serve my country and get an education because I came from a low-income family,” said Ikeda.
Ikeda is a dedicated crew chief on the 157th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon. His name is printed on one of the landing gear doors.
“He’s a great role model to his fellow Airmen,” said Master Sgt. Brandon Burton, a crew chief assigned to the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “He walks up and down the flight line and asks for extra jobs to do when there’s nothing going on. He’s always one of the first ones to step up and it seems that the other Airmen follow suit.”
In preparation for Hurricane Irma, the decision was made to move the F-16 fighting falcons from our flight line to Texas, in order to mitigate potential impacts and damage.
“When we got word about the hurricane evacuation, he was the first Airman to step up and volunteer to go to Texas and lend a helping hand,” said Master Sgt. Jeff Hopper, assistant flight chief assigned to the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
Ikeda also volunteers on base and assisted as a judge at the Top Gun Drill Meet this last spring.
“I value the relationships I form with my fellow wingmen and the opportunities the Air Force gives me,” said Ikeda.
“Airman Ikeda has a wonderful personality about him, it’s always positive,” said Hopper. “He’s always pushing forward to better himself and do whatever is needed on the flight line while motivating the other members of his team.”