Vandenberg captain helps with keeping launches safe Published July 12, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Wesley Carter 30th Space Wing public Affairs VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Debris falling from the sky, explosions after liftoff, rockets veering off course--due to these concerns, Vandenberg employs the most qualified Airmen to implement safety during launches. Capt. John Doyle takes pride in working to ensure the safety of the surrounding area during launches. The 30th Operations Group standardization and evaluation mission flight control evaluator, evaluates nearly 40 people, some of whom have trained to stop a launch mid-flight if the rocket poses a threat to the civilian population, he said. "The U.S. goes to great efforts to launch safely while assuring access to space to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens," Captain Doyle said. Team Vandenberg, boasts a zero fatality mark for launches on base, said Scott Carter, 30th Safety range safety policy director. Captain Doyle's job success can be directly related to the tuition assistance he took advantage of while he was enlisted. A graduate from Colorado Technical University with a bachelors of science in system management, Captain Doyle is currently working toward his master of science in management of information systems, he said. Ready to take his professional skills down range, he said, "I think deploying would give me the opportunity to get a better global perspective." "Captain Doyle is a solid performer and is very dependable," said Dennis Murphy, 30th OG senior range evaluator. "He is an absolute professional who performs tasks with great objectivity." Captain Doyle enjoys the responsibilities that come with being an Air Force officer. "It is humbling and motivating knowing that as a lieutenant you outrank 80 percent of the Air Force," Captain Doyle said. When not at work, he can be found at church or spending time with his wife and three children. They spend a lot of their time watching movies or playing on the computer, he said. Vandenberg's unique mission promises many more launches to come. Luckily there are Airmen like Captain Doyle who are capable of ensuring the safety that is required for the mission to be successful.