Amn Eric Dunbar
Fish-out-of-water
Dunbar is the classic fish out of water, a guy from Freeport, Texas, who doesn’t own a jacket and never planned on living anywhere colder than Galveston. Dropped into the icy wilderness of Elmdale AFB, he arrives with no possessions, no friends, and no clue what he’s in for.
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He’s the everyman of the story, our lens into the absurd world of the squadron. Dunbar is funny in spite of himself, sometimes with sharp observations, more often with a muttered “holy hell” at the madness around him. What he lacks in polish he makes up for with persistence, and over time he finds a group of friends who become closer than family. Through his eyes we see that enlisted life is equal parts misery, absurdity, and camaraderie.
Amn Emily Arkhart
Heart of the Team
Arkhart works in Life Support, maintaining the pilots’ helmets and G-suits, but around the squadron she’s known as the girl-next-door. She’s cute in a natural, approachable way, unassuming, and always up for tagging along if someone invites her. She perpetually seems to have a boyfriend “back home,” but she’s also just close enough to Dunbar to spark a slow-burn will-they-won’t-they dynamic.
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Her comic engine comes from her mix of practicality and unintentional charm. She’s often the grounded voice in a sea of misfits, yet she’s also oblivious to how much of a crush Dunbar (and maybe half the squadron) has on her. Arkhart isn’t a caricature or a prize; she’s a fully realized airman navigating the same boredom and bureaucracy as the guys, and that authenticity makes her a strong anchor for both heart and humor.
A1C Jake Latch
The Class Clown
Latch is the squadron’s class clown, firing off quips as fast as the jets launch. He teases his friends as a form of affection and never misses a chance to undercut authority with a well-timed wisecrack. On paper he looks like a slacker, but in reality he’s sharp, reliable, and deeply loyal to his crew.
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In the pilot he butts heads with Dunbar, but their rivalry quickly flips into friendship once they’re paired on the same load crew. Over time, Latch becomes Dunbar’s best friend, roommate, and the ultimate wingman. He is the kind who will roast you mercilessly in public but defend you fiercely when it counts. His comic engine is simple but effective: in a world of rigid hierarchy and icy monotony, Latch is the guy who refuses to take anything too seriously… except the bonds he builds along the way.
A1C Pete "Shark" Shepherd
Resident Cool Guy
Shark is the Weapons flight’s resident “cool guy.” Tall, good-looking, and naturally charismatic, he’s the kind of airman everyone wants around, the guy who can crack a joke at his own expense one minute and have the whole room nodding along the next. He has an easy confidence that never tips into arrogance, thanks to a strong sense of self and a willingness to be self-deprecating.
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His comic engine lies in the contrast: Shark looks like the archetypal squadron golden boy, but he’s just as capable of screwing up, slacking off, or getting dragged into ridiculous hijinks as the rest of the crew. His presence elevates the group’s energy, and his blend of charm and humility makes him both a natural leader and an easy target for friendly ribbing.