Kirtland, Airmen hit the big screen

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Kirtland workers who head to the theaters this weekend to view the new film "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" may recognize some of the backdrops and possibly even some of the participants beyond the main actors and actresses.

Scenes from the movie, which releases nationwide Friday, were shot at the base in March 2015, and multiple military members, primarily from the 58th Special Operations Wing, were used as extras. Additionally, numerous airframes from Kirtland are integral to the movie.

"All of the scenes involving our assets and Airmen positively highlight our ability to rapidly and safely deploy in a combat environment," said Chris Stagner of the Secretary of the Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office and Department of Defense project officer for the movie. "The film highlights the skill of Air Force pilots and capabilities of our RED HORSE Airmen."

He said Kirtland was chosen due to its geographic similarities to Afghanistan and access to air assets that are used in the region. The 58th SOW provided access to UH-1s and HH-60s that were accomplishing already-scheduled training missions, as well as an Osprey during a maintenance check.

Stagner was here for the duration of filming working as the liaison between Paramount Pictures and the Air Force. He worked closely with the 377th Air Base Wing and 58th SOW to determine if production company requests were beneficial to the Air Force and DoD and if they could be supported without substantial negative impact on operational missions.

He said it was great to be able to represent the Air Force and coordinate for Airmen to do some "really cool things." He also said the exposure the Air Force receives by supporting entertainment projects, both scripted and non-scripted, is "fantastic."

"It provides quantifiable outreach to audiences that greatly surpass even our largest air shows, and it does it all at zero cost to the tax payer," he said. "It helps educate global audiences and allows our Airmen to see themselves in movies, television shows and documentaries while simultaneously accomplishing their Air Force missions."

Production companies who want to work with the Air Force fill out a request to initialize support. An assessment is made to determine if the portrayal positively highlights Airmen and Air Force missions and whether or not assets can be lined up without negatively impacting operational requirements.  The support must also come at zero cost to the taxpayers.

He said the working relationship the Air Force has with film production companies allows for the projection and protection of the military image and ensures positive portrayal of Airmen, assets and missions.

Ian Bryce, one of the producers on the film, said having military support on a film that is military centric is crucial to making a film that is believable and realistic.

"Most of our crew members do not have a military background, so portraying military accurately requires a great spirit of cooperation. I appreciate the strong relationship we have forged with the Air Force and the tremendous support they've provided," Bryce said.

Capt. Brock Yelton, executive officer for the 58th Operational Support Squadron, was one of the flight leads, coordinating the flying shots for the film crews. He said it was a fun experience to be able to use his pilot skills doing something outside the normal realm of his day-to-day job.  He saw an advance screening of the film and said it was a little surreal.

"It was interesting to the see the footage and see me flying from a third-person perspective," he said. "I am glad I had that opportunity to use my skills in a different way and hopefully bring positive (public relations) for the Air Force."

He said despite it being in an enjoyable experience, it won't make him famous.

"I'm wearing a mask, so you can't even tell it's me," he said.