By Betty Boyd, Military Affairs Committee
We are honored today to interview Major Kyle W. Bailey, commander of the 432nd (is this supposed to say 432nd?) Maintenance Squadron at Creech Air Force Base.
We asked what Creech AFB’s mission was and the unique mission of Creech AFB is to provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance with the MQ-9 Reaper. This is a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).
Major Bailey has a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in Psychology and a master’s degree in Aviation and Human Factors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Now, as the commander of the 432nd (?) Maintenance Squadron, it’s Bailey’s responsibility to oversee the maintenance of the subsystems and support equipment for the MQ-9 Reaper, Remotely Piloted Aircraft. This includes equipment and weapons maintenance, support of the airframe, ground support equipment, and specialties such as fabrication, welding among others. Ultimately, Bailey oversees 250 total force Airmen in support of the MQ-9 Reaper.
As a leader, Bailey’s challenge is rallying all his people to execute one goal. This diverse group of personnel, who come from all parts of the country, with different backgrounds, all need to be on the same page; one team moving in the same direction.
Another unique challenge Bailey faces is the geographical location of Creech AFB, distance from the Las Vegas community. The installation is 35 miles out of town and can take someone up to an hour to get on the base. The distance can serve as a challenge from the highest-ranking members, to the youngest Airmen, many of whom live on Nellis Air Force Base.
Bailey likes being a maintainer because he can go and work on any aircraft in the Air Force. He believes RPA’s are the way of the future for Air Force operations. Unmanned flight makes it safer for the pilots, families, and is an effective platform, providing a great service to our Commanders overseas.
The goal Bailey has for his squadron is to provide overwhelming support for the 432nd? Wing and to promote and reward the best work of their maintainers every single day.
Bailey relates, “every day is different, with various challenges. It all comes down to leadership. The command is an opportunity to provide leadership to America’s finest men and women.”
An avid advocate for his Airmen and mission within Las Vegas, Bailey wants to bridge the figurative gap between the men and women in his squadron and the community. As advocates for our military community, the MAC will continue to bring together the Airmen of Creech and their spouses to connect with the city of Las Vegas.
We thank you, Major Bailey, for your service, leadership, and making connections with the community to help all at Creech AFB.
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