Irving Airman recognized by U.S. Army Parachute Team

During the two-day Kirtland Air Fiesta, the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, presented a “Flight Baton” to Senior Airman Liberty Estrada on June 1.

Liberty is from Irving, Texas, and is assigned to the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base. She was awarded the prestigious Airman of the Year award at Air Education and Training Command, leading to her selection to receive the renowned baton from the Golden Knights during the air show.

Senior Airman Estrada serves as a maintenance manager for the 58th Maintenance Group, where she plays a critical role in ensuring operational readiness and efficiency. As the analytical subject matter expert lead for the first-ever AC-130J unit stand-up, Estrada identified and established 1,600 data requirements, facilitating the seamless onboarding of 300 Airmen and six aircraft valued at $1.1 billion.

In addition to her outstanding achievements, Estrada distinguished herself as the top-ranked Airman out of seven selected for the Below the Zone program, an elite early promotion opportunity recognizing exceptional performance and leadership potential.

Her contributions reflect her commitment to excellence, innovation, and the future of Air Force operations.

The Golden Knights’ flight baton is a symbolic object used by the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, to highlight precision, professionalism, and military tradition.

The baton is often carried by the team leader or the jumpmaster during a performance. It symbolizes command responsibility and the coordination required for a successful jump and demonstration.

It is a symbol of excellence and continuity, representing the passing of tradition and skill from one team member to another or from one generation, similar to a relay baton in track and field, but with deeper military heritage. The flight baton is presented during ceremonial moments, such as dedicating a jump to a fallen service member or honoring a guest during a performance, such as the 2025 Kirtland Air Fiesta. In these cases, the baton is handed off during the show as a gesture of respect. 

SOURCE: Kirtland Air Force Base, Public Affairs