Selina Flynn

As an Instructor Airborne Mission Systems Specialist, I have held various roles and performed various functions well outside the generic scope of my job title. Below, I have listed my core competencies as an Instructor Airborne Mission Systems Specialist, as well as the skills and experience gained during two of my longest and most prolific duty titles: Training Lead and Deputy Wing Datalink Manager.

Core Roles & Summaries:

Instructor Airborne Mission Systems Specialist (2020-current)

Performs critical aircrew duties as the primary planner, maintainer, and manager of airborne communications and computer networks. Responsible for the end-to-end management of mission systems, from preflight initialization and tactical operation to in-flight troubleshooting and post-flight maintenance of a $255M USAF aircraft. Relayed time-critical threat data to joint airborne, ground, and maritime agencies, enhancing situational awareness in the kill chain and operational picture.

Training Lead (2023-2025)

Responsible for tracking and maintaining personnel records for a 200-member squadron, as well as running periodic unit training events to ensure operational tactical proficiency within the squadron and providing innovative solutions to headquarters' most critical problem sets.

Deputy Wing Datalink Manager (2025-current)

Directs a multi-unit team and interfaces with a multitude of diverse Department of War and federal agencies to maintain tactical communication capabilities across a major reconnaissance fleet.

Skillsets & Areas of Experience:

Airborne Systems Operation & Network Management

• Systems Initialization & Operation: Initializes, operates, and monitors a comprehensive suite of mission-critical systems, including radio and audio distribution, switching, data networks, cryptologic, anti-jam, satellite communications (SATCOM), radar, and identification friend or foe (IFF) equipment.
• Information Warfare & Signals: Operates and manages electronic warfare (EW), intercept, analysis, broadcasting, imaging, recording, and playback equipment. Adheres strictly to communication security (COMSEC) procedures to ensure secure operations.
• Network & Data Link Connectivity: Determines data link requirements, formats initialization data, establishes and maintains highly secure voice and data communication circuits. Coordinates link establishment and network connectivity information with internal and external agencies.

Tactical Mission Execution & Battle Management

• Mission Planning: Plans, organizes, and coordinates complex mission profiles, activities, and materials in conjunction with internal agencies and external command and control entities.
• Combat Operations: Conducts conventional and unconventional warfare, as well as special operations missions, including combat search and rescue (CSAR).
• Targeting & Threat Identification: Evaluates available intelligence data to determine the disposition and locations of hostile and friendly forces.
• Tactical Communications: Monitors radio communications and relays encoded/decoded messages from ground command and control. Distributes operational target, threat, and identification data to supporting platforms and joint agencies.

In-Flight Maintenance, Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

• System Inspections: Performs meticulous preflight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections, including the initial power-on and functional testing of all airborne communications, sensors, and electronic systems.
• Advanced Troubleshooting: Isolates malfunctions, tests, and repairs network equipment, computers, and ancillary systems while airborne.
• Diagnostic Techniques: Monitors displays and indicators to ascertain equipment status using technical orders, manuals, software diagnostics, test equipment, voltage checks, resistance measurements, and waveform observations.
• Special Support: Installs, operates, and monitors special support systems to maintain uninterrupted mission capability, overcoming unusual and difficult operational or maintenance problems in real-time.

Aviation Safety

• Emergency Response: Operates aircraft emergency systems and equipment, ensuring the safety of the crew and the survivability of the platform during critical incidents.

Leadership, Training & Program Management

• Aircrew Instruction: Establishes, manages, and directs comprehensive aircrew training programs. Develops curriculum and standardized instruction for in-flight equipment operation, maintenance, and advanced troubleshooting.
• Program Administration & Innovation: Consolidates Wing-wide tactical improvement program inputs to directly inform the procurement cycle, enabling fleet capabilities to systematically outpace evolving adversarial technology.
• Strategic Advising: Recommends innovative methods, techniques, and procedures to enhance maintenance capabilities and improve mission system options. Advises senior leadership on mission systems operations and coordinates on future research and development (R&D) projects.