Officer promoted by Air Mobility Command commander

  • Published
  • By Capt. John Berger
  • 60th Commender's Action Group director of strategic communication
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Being promoted and reciting the oath of office is an exciting day in any officer's career.

For Capt. Matt Burton, his experience was especially exciting and unique. Burton, 21st Airlift Squadron first pilot, was promoted by Gen. Raymond Johns Jr., Air Mobility Command Commander, during an en route fuel stop at Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa.

Burton departed from Travis on a Pacific Channel mission to Australia and back with fellow crewmembers: Capt. Scott Graves, Capt. John Berger, Staff Sgt. Dan Denman, Staff Sgt. Donnie McCorkle and Senior Airman John Williams.

After a crew rest at Hickam, Johns joined the C-17 Globemaster III crew and they departed for Pago Pago.

Typically, an American Flag is present during recitation of the oath of office, Johns and Burton headed to the rear of the aircraft and stood beneath the flag painted on the 55 foot-high tail. At 9:00 a. m. local time Jan 18, on a remote tropical island in the South Pacific, Johns administered the oath and promoted the Air Force's newest captain.
Burton said he felt fortunate that the timing worked out and Johns was able to administer the oath. Burton also felt privileged to be able to fly with such an experienced aviator such as Johns.

"Flying with Gen Johns was a once in a career opportunity that I will never forget. His vast experience as a test pilot was very evident," Burton said. "The fact that he stays current and qualified in the C-17A while leading the world's premiere air mobility force is quite a feat."

Burton's first four years in the Air Force were a great learning experience. Since graduating from Officer Training School, he's learned a great deal about leadership, overcoming adversity and has developed a profound respect for the Airmen he serves beside every day.

Burton also has found his first four years to be very rewarding.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think that in my first year of operational flying at Travis I would set foot on five continents, deploy in support of (Operation Enduring Freedom) and fly more than I did in the previous three years as a civilian," Burton said.