Howard Thomas Akers
Howard Thomas Akers
Years of Service:
10
Highest Rank:
O-3
Medals & Awards:
Awards information not available at this time.
Career Highlights:
CAPTAIN HOWARD THOMAS "TOM" AKERS
Cadet Squadron 11
Howard Thomas Akers, known to his family, friends, and classmates as Tom, was born in Los Angeles, California, to Howard Elmer Akers and Edith Virginia Allison. A member of the "First Class," Tom brought an inquisitive mind and a steady West Coast spirit to the Academy. Tom married Carolyn Frances Long in Arlington, Virgina in June 1959 shortly after graduation.
SERVICE HISTORY
Upon commissioning, Tom entered pilot training and dedicated his Air Force career to the demanding and essential worlds of strategic airlift and weather reconnaissance.
Year Duty Location / Unit
1959–1960 Pilot Training Malden AB / Reese AFB
1961–1962 Pilot, C-124 Globemaster II 3rd Air Transport Sq, Charleston AFB
1962–1964 Pilot, Weather Reconnaissance 54th Wx Recon Sq, Andersen AFB, Guam
1964–1965 Pilot, C-130 Hercules 29th Air Transport Sq, McGuire AFB
THE "TYPHOON CHASERS"
While stationed at Andersen AFB in Guam, Tom served with the 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. During this era, before the advent of advanced satellite imagery, Tom and his fellow "Typhoon Chasers" performed the harrowing task of flying directly into the eyes of Pacific storms. Their mission was to gather critical data—wind speeds, pressure, and temperature—to provide life-saving warnings to military and civilian populations across the Pacific. Tom’s precision and courage during these high-stakes missions exemplified the high standards of the Class of 1959.
POST-MILITARY CAREER
After separating from active duty as a Captain in 1965, Tom transitioned his leadership and technical expertise into a successful corporate career in New Jersey.
• 1965–1969: IE/Department Manager – Campbell’s Soup Co.
• 1969–1997: IE/Administrative Assistant – Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ
• 1997: Retired
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Tom’s career offers a vital lesson to the next generation of service personnel:
Professionalism is found in the quiet, essential missions. Whether navigating the massive "Old Shakey" (C-124) across oceans or flying into the heart of a typhoon to protect others, Tom proved that the technical mastery and steady hand of an officer are the greatest tools of service. His legacy remains a testament to the "First Class" and the traditions they built.
