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CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti — Intelligence operations are critical to the success of every flying mission executed by the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.
One Airman is ensuring aircrews remain informed and protected while operating in uncertain and hostile environments across the area of responsibility.
“Intel is critical to the execution of every flying mission we do here at the 75th,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Thomas Norton, 75th EAS senior intelligence officer. “We ensure the safety of our aircrews by delivering timely and accurate tactical-level threat data and assessments, as well as operational and strategic analysis to the command team to enhance situational awareness and decision-making.”
For Norton, this deployment represents a milestone: this is his first as an officer and section officer in charge.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to lead my team and watch my analyst excel and grow while getting the mission done,” Norton said. “Seeing Airmen succeed and develop is the most fulfilling part of this job.”
“One of my team members is on her first deployment, and it has been absolutely awesome helping foster her growth as an analyst and watching her develop,” said Norton. “It has also been very rewarding getting to recognize her as a key contributor to our Team of the Month award and as the Airman of the Quarter at our home-station Wing.”
Beyond supporting aircrews, the intelligence section has expanded its impact by hosting informational briefings for maintainers and support personnel. These sessions provide greater context into regional operations and demonstrate how their work enables mission success on a larger scale.
“We’ve been able to give people more insight into what’s happening in the AOR,” Norton said. “It helps them see how their daily tasks directly contribute to the mission. It connects everyone to the bigger picture.”
As the deployment continues, Norton and the 75th EAS intelligence team remain focused on empowering aircrews, strengthening situational awareness, and ensuring every mission launches with precision and confidence.
