Airman in the Spotlight

SrA Christopher Sherman

U.S. Air Force 7th Reconnaissance Squadron

Naval Air Station Sigonella is home to a number of important commands that support the regional peacekeeping mission. One of them is the U.S. Air Force’s 7th Reconnaissance Squadron. The squadron’s 100-plus-year history includes an anti-submarine mission in the American theater during World War II. Today, it operates the RQ-4 platform, a remotely piloted reconnaissance aircraft known as the “Global Hawk.” It takes Airmen like Senior Airman Christopher Sherman to ensure that the squadron’s mission is operating smoothly.

The 7th RS is composed of a mix of active duty and civilian personnel. Its departments include maintenance, operations, material management, cyber operations, security forces, and support personnel. Like Navy “rates,” the Air Force also has “specialty codes” that identify the area of expertise for enlisted personnel. For Sherman, he is a cyber transport systems specialist. That means he’s in charge of making sure the underlying infrastructure of the Air Force’s global communications network is operating properly. Here at Sigonella, his job has expanded to include any task that supports communications at the squadron. From maintaining the SIPRnet to making sure email is working properly, Sherman is a go-to specialist for IT needs.

Sherman’s career is still young— Sigonella is only his second tour after completing “A” school—but he’s already preparing for the next step in his career. Recently, Sherman was selected to promote to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E- 5). In preparations for becoming an NCO, he recently completed Airmen Leadership School to develop skills he will need when he becomes a first-line supervisor. He also completed the Marine Corporal Course, which prepares Marines to become NCOs, as well. Both courses were highly rewarding experiences for him.

“Both helped me accomplish what I feel was their underlying goal, which is taking care of people. That’s what an NCO does. It’s no longer about yourself, you now have an added responsibility of taking care of someone else,” said Sherman.

Sherman is keeping all doors open for his career open at this point. His tour at the 7th RS ends in the fall of 2021, not long before his contract is up. He is considering reenlisting this fall and then taking the Air Force’s officer qualification test next year in the hopes of transitioning into the officer community.

Sherman arrived at the Air Force with a good amount of civilian credentials under his belt. He holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast integrated media and has experience as a broadcast videographer and editor. He was looking for a change, which is what led him to enlisting. Next week, he’s beginning courses toward earning his master’s degree in IT/ telecommunications management.

Sherman had the fortunate experience of being stationed at Aviano Air Base at his previous tour, so he has already extensively explored Europe. But he said that he is enjoying the different travel experiences here in Sicily, particularly exploring the island’s beach scene.