Meet Sgt Michael T. Farthing — 2017 Veteran

Technical Sergeant Michael T. Farthing is an Evaluator Aerial Gunner on the AC-130W assigned to the 16th Special Operations Squadron, 27th Special Operations Group, 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. Sergeant Farthing was born at Hahn Air Force Base Germany on 17 September 1987 to Phillip a Tamara Farthing. His father, a Gulf War veteran, retired from the Air Force in 1991 after 20 years of distinguished service. Sergeant Farthing attended Watauga High School in Boone, NC graduating in 2005. He is married to his wife Zahira, who is also active duty Air Force, and they have two children, Zoraida and Evan.

Sergeant Farthing enlisted and graduated from Basic Military training in 2006 at the age of 19. He then attended Enlisted Aircrew Undergraduate Course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas and Basic Aerial Gunner Course at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Upon Graduation he accepted an assignment to fly on the AC-130U at Hurlburt Field, Florida. While assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron he achieved the certification of Lead Aerial Gunner, and deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

In 2012 Sergeant Farthing was selected to assist in the development of the MC-130W into the AC-130W at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. His expertise on the weapons system earned him a selection as initial cadre for a 93.3 million dollar aircraft systems upgrade and the installation of the 105mm cannon on the aircraft.

The AC-130's primary missions are close air support and air interdiction. Close air support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point air defense. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity and include strike coordination and reconnaissance. Sergeant Farthing has over 276 combat missions totaling 1400 combat hours, with an overall total of 2508 flight hours.

While at Cannon Air Force Base, he was assigned as Flight Chief of Current Operations, assistant Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Squadron Standardization and Evaluations shop as well as assistant Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Operational Flight. He is currently assigned to the 16th Special Operations Squadron as Flight Chief of Operational Flight and the squadron Aerial Gunner Functional Manager.

Sergeant Farthing has earned his instructor qualification as well as his evaluator certification. He has deployed with the 73rd Special Operations Squadron and 16 Special Operations Squadron multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Photos of Sgt Michael T. Farthing (Click the image to begin a slide show)
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During his career he attended Airman Leadership School, non-residence Non Commissioned Officer Academy, and has completed his Associates Degree in Aviation Operations through the Community College of the Air Force. Throughout his career Technical Sergeant Farthing earned numerous awards including Airman of the Quarter, Professional Airman of the Quarter and Non Commissioned Officer of the Quarter.

He was named 2014 Aerial Gunner of the Year for the Air Force Special Operations Command, 2016 16th Special Operations Squadron Non Commissioned Officer of the Year in 2016, as well as the 2016 Professional Non Commissioned Officer of the Year for the 27th Special Operations Group. Lastly, he was awarded the coveted Air Commando Association Commander's Leadership Award for 2017.

His Military decorations include:

  • 12 Air Medals (two of which are awaiting award)
  • The Air Force Commendation Medal
  • Three Air Force Achievement Medals
  • The Air Force Combat Action Medal
  • Four Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Valor
  • Three Combat Readiness Medals
  • Three Air Force Good Conduct Medals
  • The National Defense Service Medal
  • The Afghanistan Campaign Medal with five Campaign Stars
  • The Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars
  • The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • The Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
  • The Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon
  • Two AF Longevity Service Ribbons
  • The USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
  • The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
  • The AF Training Ribbon
  • The Non-Article 5 NATO Medal

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Jeff Anderson
CEO/Founder, Rebuilding Warriors