Rylee Ward
Wichita Falls, TX 76306
Summary
Dynamic Air Traffic Control professional with 11 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force. Adept at managing complex airspace and ensuring safe and efficient air traffic flow. Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice and Associates in Air Traffic Control Operations and Management. Recognized for exceptional leadership, problem-solving skills, and commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Air Traffic Controller, Radar
United States Air Force
05.2023 - Current
- Managed a team of 20 military personnel through mentorship and discipline, leading to multiple awards, certifications and promotions.
- Provided air traffic control support to NATO pilot training at the Air Force’s 4th busiest airfield with approximately 205,000 annual aircraft operations across 4, 600 square miles, encompassing 2 Military Operations Areas and 5 airports.
- Edited and published base and facility regulations in line with Department of Defense, United States Air Force, and Federal Aviation Administration regulations to modernize automations and simplify operations for 50 air traffic controllers.
- Completed the Air Traffic Managers course in Keesler AFB, MS focusing on the internal operations of air traffic facilities to include supervision of personnel, ensuring air traffic control services are provided that meet mission needs and implementing an air traffic control training program.
Controller in Charge, Radar
United States Air Force
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Led team of 14 military personnel, providing air traffic control support to joint force operations involving Republic of Korea, Air Force, Navy and Army by coordinating and expediting aircraft movement with 11 Host Nation, civilian and military air traffic control facilities.
- Directed the movement of 49,000 annual military and civilian aircraft operations across 4,000 square miles, encompassing 6 airports.
- Managed Pacific Command's second largest air traffic control training program leading 14 members to receive 31 certifications, including two USMC acquiring their first radar certifications. Then authored a new facility training guide by evaluating 228 training items across eight separate positional training guides, identifying and rectifying changes for 72 training items.
- Directed 13 members through three exercises enabling 1,200 aircraft operations, 104 alternate landing zone arrivals, and 26 radar outage landings.
Air Traffic Manager & Controller in Charge, Tower
United States Air Force
11.2018 - 05.2022
- Commanded Tower team of 20 civilian and military personnel by organizing, training, and equipping them to effectively employ air traffic control and landing systems equipment valued at $6.1 million in support of 5,400 annual aircraft operations.
- Negotiated policies and regulations in-step with local agencies to include Security Forces, Snow Removal, and Wildlife Hazard to secure the airfield.
- Averted mishap by diverting civilian aircraft from landing on B-1, garnering the Lieutenant General Gordon A Blake Save Assist Award.
- Completed Air Force's Noncommissioned Officer Academy course to better understand leadership and management concepts while leading teams.
Controller in Charge, Tower
United States Air Force
05.2013 - 11.2018
- Tower Watch Supervisor leading a training team with 8 members by providing oversight of air traffic control services for 4,000 square miles of airfield.
- Conducted Tower certifications and evaluations in line with Federal Aviation Administration and Air Force standards.
- Deployed to the Middle East as an Air Traffic Control Liaison for 6-months to deconflict US military aircraft operations with host nation aircraft operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice
Southwestern College
Winfield, KS08-2018
Associates - Air Traffic Control Management & Operations
Community College of the Air Force
Gunter, AL01-2018
Skills
- Versed in FAA and DOD Regulations
- Communication
- DOD Special Activity Airspace (Military Operating Airspaces, Altitude Reservations, etc)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc)
- Extensive National Airspace System (NAS) Expertise
- Air Traffic Control Equipment (STARS, ETVS, etc)
Certification
Certified Tower Operator Federal Aviation Administration August 2014
Radar Approach Control Certificate Federal Aviation Administration May 2023
Timeline
Air Traffic Controller, Radar
United States Air Force
05.2023 - Current
Controller in Charge, Radar
United States Air Force
05.2022 - 05.2023
Air Traffic Manager & Controller in Charge, Tower
United States Air Force
11.2018 - 05.2022
Controller in Charge, Tower
United States Air Force
05.2013 - 11.2018
Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice
Southwestern College
Associates - Air Traffic Control Management & Operations
Community College of the Air Force
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