Luke aerospace physiologist wins AF-level award

  • Published
  • By Deborah Leuthold
  • Thunderbolt editor
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Preparing those who will operate the most advanced weapons and weapons delivery systems in the world is not left entirely to pilot training. Human performance optimization is that extra element that not only helps make the U.S. Air Force lethal but also ensures successful mission completion. That job is left to the aerospace physiologist.

A Luke Air Force Base officer received high recognition when he was selected as the Air Force Outstanding Aerospace Physiologist of the Year.

Capt. Rich Farley, 56th Training Squadron, is currently deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Group, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, as the flight safety chief. But, the recognition he received is for his efforts at Luke which include analyzing human capacity to optimize performance, whether it be pilots, aircrew, special operators, maintenance technicians or security forces.

"Behind every Air Force system is a human operating that system," Captain Farley said. "It's my job to dissect the human performance issues surrounding a particular job or mission and discuss with other human performance consultants ways to optimize that performance, whether it be physical or cognitive."

Additionally, Captain Farley trains and educates aircrews on the physiological effects, and how to combat them, of altitude, acceleration and spatial disorientation.

"From maintenance to operations to support, through training and education, APs increase the mission effectiveness and overall safety of those folks," Captain Farley said. "In my opinion, that's why APs are needed."

Captain Farley is an esteemed member of the wing, according to Maj. Tory Woodard, 56th TRS flight surgeon.

"Grover (Captain Farley) is a vital wing asset," he said. "Having such a dedicated and talented aerospace physiologist at Luke allows us to train the highest caliber pilots, instructors and medics for the Air Force. His close association with the 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron on a number of topics, to include Top Knife, GRIM, spatial disorientation and HUD tape reviews, allows us to optimally perform our mission."

Speaking of the recognition, Captain Farley thinks the award is important in that it reflects positively on the AP community and what they bring to the fight.

"I am extremely humbled," he said. "There were many of my colleagues around the world that should have received this award ahead of me. It was a nice surprise, to be honest."

Captain Farley brings 23 years of experience in the Air Force, 15 as enlisted, to the AP position he holds, but does not believe he won this recognition on his own merits.

"If it were not for the dozens of remarkable people I work with every day, specifically other aerospace physiologists and flight surgeons, coupled with commanders that support our decisions and the operators that trust our counsel, none of this would have happened," he said. "Honestly, I think the award belongs to the wing - not me."