Master Sgt. Casey Spang, a 14th Weapons Squadron special mission aviator, waits for takeoff at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 4, 2023. Special mission aviators have many duties, including conducting preflight inspections, monitoring engines and other critical aircraft systems, managing missions, operating defensive systems and computing fuel needs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bailey Wyman)