Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Jonathan M. Epperson was recognized as the Navy Region Southeast Air Traffic Controller of the Year, Jan. 7.

Epperson, a native of Columbus, Ga., competed against nine other Navy air traffic controllers on the region level in late 2018. He advances on to the competition for the 2018 Vice Admiral Robert B. Pirie Naval Air Traffic Controller of the Year.

“I am humbled by the selection, and I believe it speaks volumes to the quality of the controllers that I am surrounded by every day here at NAS Meridian, and those that have guided me throughout my Navy career,” said Epperson who has served 15 years in the U.S. Navy.

Epperson currently serves as Assistant NATOPS Evaluator, Crew Leading Petty Officer (LPO) and Facility Watch Supervisor (FWS) at NAS Meridian’s McCain Field.

“AC1 Epperson has put in the time over his career to become a true master of the craft. From P-3’s in Hawaii, jets on the carrier and, now, trainers here at Meridian -- he has excelled in all locations,” said Chief David Viger, NAS Meridian Air Traffic Control Training Spervisor.

Epperson’s supervisors say his proactive leadership and mentorship, coupled with exceptional managerial skills were critical to the facility’s operational efficiency and mission success while ensuring overall safety - including performing under pressure.

One of the examples of his performance under pressure is highlighted in his nomination package.

On the afternoon of Oct. 5, 2018, Epperson established radar contact with the pilot of a civilian single engine aircraft. The pilot reported a possible engine malfunction. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Epperson remained calm and composed. After the pilot reported that he couldn’t get his plane back to a designated airfield, Epperson advised the pilot of the option of landing on State Highway 45. Epperson coordinated with Key Field controllers to ensure that fire/rescue and the highway patrol were advised of the situation. The pilot landed the aircraft safely on Highway 45 sustaining no injuries to himself or to anyone on the ground.

“All that training was on display when he was able to think quickly and vector an aircraft that lost his engine towards the highway and calmly talk the aircraft down,” Viger said. “Due to AC1’s training, experience and ability to perform under pressure no one was hurt and the pilot was able to walk away.” 

Throughout the emergency, Epperson controlled other aircraft in his airspace without any interruption in services. His professionalism while executing his duties under extraordinary pressure is a testament to his superlative skills as an air traffic controller and his focus and dedication to the task at hand. His stoic demeanor over the frequency was a tremendous comfort to the pilot who was under duress. 

Epperson will go on to compete at a Navy-wide level in February.

“At this point I just have to wait as my package is judged against the other well-deserving regional awardees throughout the Navy,” he said. 

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