September 7, 2011 ARCHIVE/SUBSCRIBE EW/SIGINT RESOURCE GUIDE

9/11 STORIES: Getting the Job Done

I was the Chief of Plans, Programs, and Readiness for Distributed Ground System-1, Langley AFB. I was sitting at my desk reviewing the findings of our Unit Effectiveness Inspection when a SSgt came running in saying a plane had just hit one of the Twin Towers.

I rushed to where our TV was located in the Squadron breakroom. As I entered, I saw the second plane hit the second tower. In crisis a leader has to be calm. Our Senior Squadron and Group command staff were attending a conference in California, so I immediately activated a Squadron and group wide telephone contact recall and convened the Battle Staff.

I had to suppress my emotions so the job could get done (actions today grieve tomorrow). To this day I can only remember bits and pieces of that time period. What comes to mind is surreal.

AOC Headquarters
1000 North Payne Street, Suite 200 | Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1652 | Phone: 703-549-1600 | Fax: 703-549-2589