The Air Force's only
B-2 Spirit bomber wing has announced a historical first -- the
selection of a married pilot couple.
Capts. Rob and Beth Makros, T-38 instructor pilots with the 25th
Flying Training Squadron here, have been selected for assignment to
the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.
Both are thrilled with their new B-2 assignments.
"We were praying for this assignment, and our prayers were
answered," said Beth, a former B-1 pilot.
"It's awesome. The B-2 is a great opportunity for both of us,"
said Rob, who was an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot.
The B-2 pilot selection process consists of a board screening,
airmanship evaluation and commander's interview at the wing
headquarters. The pilot selection standards are competitive because
there are only 20 operational B-2s.
"Captains Rob and Beth Makros are two outstanding officers who
did exceptionally well during our selection process," said Lt. Col.
Steve Moulton, commander of 394th Combat Training Squadron. "The
509th Bomb Wing is fortunate to gain two superbly talented aviators
who will now become part of an elite team that can deliver mass,
precision and stealth ... anytime, anywhere."
Although the Makroses have been married for six years, the
longest time they've spent together consecutively has been their 18
months at Vance.
After graduation from the Air Force Academy, they dated
long-distance for two years while Beth completed her master's
degree at Harvard in Boston and Rob completed his pilot training at
Columbus AFB, Miss.
After the couple married, Rob headed to F-15E training at
Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., before taking his assignment at Mountain
Home AFB, Idaho. Meanwhile, Beth completed pilot training at
Columbus. She selected a B-1 in hopes of also getting assigned at
Mountain Home.
"But it didn't quite work out the way we had hoped," Rob
said.
"Throughout our comedy of errors, we tried to plan our
assignments to be together, but the Air Force relocated the B-1s to
Dyess AFB, Texas. So again we were back to commuting on weekends to
see each other," Beth said.
In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, the couple deployed several
times with their F-15E and B-1 squadrons to support the global war
on terrorism. With operational combat experience under their belts,
they were both selected to become instructor pilots in a join
spouse assignment to Vance.
After finally getting to enjoy an overdue honeymoon, the couple
recently moved apart again when Beth accepted a one-year internship
at the Pentagon.
"Our commanders have all been very supportive of our careers,
marriage and commuting," Rob said.
"Rob and I also support each other's goals and allow each other
the freedom to grow and develop separately in our individual
ambitions," Beth said.
"We do our best to cooperate, communicate and make adjustments
as necessary to strengthen our relationship."
The Makroses are looking forward to their July assignment and
reunion at Whiteman. After becoming mission-qualified for the B-2,
they hope to stay for three to five years and also assist as
instructor pilots in the T-38 program there. [ANN Salutes 1st Lt.
Lori Wise, 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs]