Learn about the many people who have developed successful aviation careers after learning to fly at the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay airports.
“Local boy makes good, turns American warrior” is an accurate description of Anthony Turner and all he has accomplished. Currently a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Anthony literally grew up at the Hiller Aviation Museum, located at San Carlos Airport, volunteering, attending aviation camps, and leading kids as a camp instructor. He flew with his dad, Willie Turner, Hiller’s Vice President of Operations and Marketing, in a Charger biplane that Anthony’s grandmother built at SQL. Anthony and Willie both soloed in the biplane at Half Moon Bay Airport, 35 years apart.
As a 17-year-old student at the San Carlos Flight Center, Anthony received his private pilot certificate in a Citabria taildragger. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he enrolled in the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Prior to graduation, Anthony proudly accepted a much-coveted U.S. Air Force fighter pilot slot. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and continued to Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma.
At UPT, Anthony flew the T-6 Texan and the T-38 Talon, where he finished first in his class. Anthony requested and was given a slot to fly the mighty F15 Eagle. His next assignment was to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, to attend the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course and fly a more advanced version of the T-38. Subsequently, Anthony continued to the B-Course at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where they gave him the keys to the F-15. Anthony earned both the Top Gun and River Rats awards.
Now, First Lieutenant Anthony “Trip” Turner flies the F-15C for the 44th Fighter Squadron “Vampire Bats” at Kadena Air Base, in Okinawa, Japan. Anthony was given the call sign Trip, honoring him as a true warrior of the skies and defender of our great nation. Trip, we are proud to feature you as a County of San Mateo Airports Aviation Alumni, and we thank you for your service!
Read about all our Aviation Alumni here.
