During this period, May 7, 2018 – May 10, 2018, Sergeant Becker served as the Flying Crew Chief in support of a White House-directed, close hold mission transporting the Secretary of State to Pyongyang, North Korea to negotiate the release and transfer of three American detainees.
While taxiing out of Yokota, Japan, en route to Anchorage, Alaska, Sergeant Becker was notified of a thrust reverser discrepancy. He quickly responded to the fault, alerted the crew to return to parking and deactivated the faulty thrust reverser. His actions enabled the Secretary of State to rendezvous on schedule with the President of the United States at Joint Base Andrews for a repatriation ceremony in honor of the American detainees.
The airmanship and courage exhibited by Sergeant Becker in the successful return of the three American detainees under unprecedented situational conditions demonstrated superior technical proficiency and outstanding professionalism.
His personal efforts were instrumental in the safe, comfortable, reliable, connected and protected airlift of Presidential envoys and significantly contributed to the effectiveness and success of the Air Force diplomatic mission.
The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Becker reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force..
