Tinker AWACS' father-son team

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Sandra Hatton
  • 513th Air Control Group
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Although they aren't in the same career field, Master Sgt. Frank Deitchman and Airman 1st Class Dennis Deitchman are a father-son team proud to serve and work on the E-3 Sentry here at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

Sergeant Deitchman is an Air Radar Technician with more than 5,400 flight hours on the Air Warning and Control System (AWACS) Aircraft. He is assigned to the 513th Air Control Group and has been stationed at Tinker AFB since 1990.

Airman Deitchman is an Electronic Warfare Technician assigned to the 552 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He has been stationed at Tinker AFB for less than a year.

Sergeant Deitchman believes that growing up around the Air Force influenced his son's decision to join. Airman Deitchman started asking about and showing interest in all of the services, but the Air Force appealed most to him.

"It seemed like a good career opportunity and a good way to go see new places and do things I wouldn't have gotten to do," Airman Deitchman said.

Although he hoped to visit new places and experience different bases and aircraft, he wasn't disappointed when he found out his first duty station would be close to his hometown.

"It's nice to be home with family and friends. It makes some things a lot easier," Airman Deitchman said.

Sergeant Deitchman had mixed emotions about his son's assignment. He knew that his son wanted to see more of the world, but he certainly appreciated having him close to home.

"It's pretty cool to go out to the flight line and see your own son working hard to keep us flying and safe. Makes me very proud," he said.

Airman Deitchman takes a lot of pride in serving with his father.

"The most rewarding part of my job is that I get to make sure the aircraft [my dad] flies on is good to go and that I help in making sure he and his crew get home safely," Airman Deitchman said.