Base hosts motorcycle coach class

Published Oct. 1, 2009
By Senior Airman Eric Summers
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Though the 101 Critical Days of Summer are over, the Air Force is still doing its best to keep its Airmen safe. In a partnership with Navy and the Army, Keesler was able to host a motorcycle training class with attendees from all three branches.

"Those who attend the training will be able to teach basic and experienced rider courses," said Staff Sgt. James Yerger, 81st Training Wing Safety office, who coordinated the training.

Instructors here were providing training on a monthly schedule until the motorcycle range required re-certification from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and a three month freeze was put on training.

"The recertification process began in early June and was completed on August 20," said Sergeant Yerger. "After our range was certified, we were contacted by the Army 412 Engineering Command about training some of their Soldiers.

The Army then decided to let the Navy Special operations Command safety know about us and our motorcycle course. We cam=e to an arrangement that consisted of the Navy paying for an MSF motorcycle trainer to come to Keesler and conduct the Rider Coach Trainer course," said the sergeant. "In return for the Navy paying all costs, the Navy would be able to send three Sailors and the remaining slots would be divided between Keesler for holding the course and the Army for bringing us all together."

Mr. Keith Valenzuela, Head MSF instructor from Colorado, taught the program during the week long class.

After completion of the course Keesler will have a total of five instructors. The class is available to military and Air Force civilians with five loaner bikes that can be used during the training.

For more information about the motorcycle training please call, 377-7032