Aggressor pilot returns to skies, teaching others

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Martin
  • 926th Group public affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  April 20th was an otherwise typical day at the base, except for one member of the 926th Group. This particular Tuesday was the first time Lt. Col. Craig Jones had flown an F-15 Aggressor aircraft in almost a year and a half, marking a new chapter in the fighter pilot's life.

Colonel Jones was diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin's Lymphoma in July 2008. He had been in the Air Force for 20 years by this point and was serving as the deputy commander of the 57th Adversary Tactics Group here when he received the news.

Although he continued working as the deputy commander, his flying stopped, and four types of chemotherapy began.

"I was hopeful from the beginning since Hodgkin's Lymphoma is one of the most studied and documented types of cancer," said Colonel Jones. "The doctors explained that in most cases pilots were able to return to flying."

Colonel Jones described the 99th Medical Group and 926th Aerospace Medical Flight as phenomenal in their care for him. "The flight surgeons provided me information within a week about what needed to happen to get back to flying," he said. "I never understood the full benefit of the medical system having always been a healthy person."

His Regular Air Force and U.S. Air Force Reserve supervisors also provided him tremendous support. "I never had to worry about anything on the military side," he said. "The United States Air Force Warfare Center and 926th Group commanders at the time came to me personally to make sure I was being taken care of."

However, the road to recovery and the evaluation process were long. Colonel Jones underwent treatment for six months, and then once in remission had to be observed for a year before applying for a flying waiver.

On January 26, 2010, he heard the good news that the waiver had been approved and he could return to flying. But since he had been in non-flying status for more than 225 days, he had to go back through the Flight Training Unit and re-qualify, per Air Force regulations.

After 30 days at Kingsely Field, Ore., where he received simulator training and classroom instruction, flew seven sorties and passed an instrument check ride, Colonel Jones returned home to Nellis to finish his recertification.

Colonel Jones has now completed two of three steps - a local area orientation and a mission check ride - allowing him to be a mission commander. Since he was also an instructor pilot prior to his diagnosis, he'll recertify as an Aggressor Syllabus Instructor as well.

Since remission, Colonel Jones has returned to his routine of weightlifting and triathlons. "I have an increased appreciation for some of the things I lost during my treatment, and for the things I worried about losing permanently," he said.

In addition to his duties at the 57th ATG, Colonel Jones has been the Reserve's 706th Fighter Squadron commander since Aug. 2009. He has helped bridge the gap between the RegAF and Reserve, having been at Nellis long before the Reserve had an established unit here.

"Colonel Jones' personal courage and commitment were keys to his success, both in overcoming his illness and returning to full flight qualification," said Col. Herman Brunke, 926th Group commander. "He is a role model for both RegAF and Reserve members here at Nellis; a shining example of what perseverance adds to excellence."