CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Capt. Tien Phung is a member of the 14th Airlift Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for three years.
While currently deployed to the Middle East, he is assigned to the 609th Air Operations Center.
While deployed, Captain Phung is an Air Mobility Division tactician with the Combined Air Operations Center and is a subject matter expert on airland tactics issues for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
His responsibilities include the development and upkeep of numerous aircrew and airfield products, landing zone safety-of-flight reviews and threat assessments for the Air Mobility Threat Working Group.
While at Charleston AFB, Captain Phung is special airlift planner responsible for planning and monitoring special airlift missions to include embassy support and Department of State missions.
Captain Phung said he contributes to Team Charleston's mission when he is not piloting aircraft by busily planning missions, ensuring they are executed safely and successfully.
"As a C-17 pilot, I have the amazing opportunity to deliver supplies to the units on the ground and airlift troops in and out of the theater," he said.
He said he also enjoys participating in volunteer opportunities around Charleston, such as local food banks, fundraisers, Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics. He was also the assistance coach for a youth baseball team.
According to Captain Phung, what he likes best about his job is traveling the world and being able to experience other countries and cultures.
"Before I joined the Air Force, the only other country I had been to was Canada. I can now gladly say that this list has grown dramatically," said Captain Phung.
Captain Phung's immediate future goal is to learn to fly the C-21 and excel in that airframe.
This "warrior of the week" hails from the small town of Cleona, Pa, about 20 minutes from Hershey, Pa. He enlisted in the Air Force nearly six years ago.
He said he joined the Air Force because it has always been a part of his family.
"My grandfather, father and older brother were all officers in the Air Force. I pretty much knew that I wanted to follow in their footsteps from the time I was little," he said.
Maj. Robert Holmes, chief of Air Mobility Division Tactics, said Captain Phung is an invaluable member of the AMD Tactics team.
"Our 'Tactics Answer Man,' he is a one-man show running all of our airland tactics issues in both OEF and OIF. His tactical expertise and commitment to the mission helped secure the Team of the Month Award at his deployed location."