Cadets experience Fairchild Air Force Base

Published April 30, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Darlene West
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- United States Air Force Academy cadets visited Fairchild to get a better understanding of an operational Air Force base April 24. While at the Academy, cadets take college-level courses and adhere to military customs while working toward a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned into well-rounded officers in the United States Air Force.

The cadets visited different squadrons throughout base to get a view of each of their missions in relation to the base. Demonstrations and tours were set up by numerous groups, to include a water survival training demonstration by Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape; and a working dog demonstration by the Security Forces Squadron. They toured the air traffic control tower, the flight simulator, the flight line, hangars and were given the chance to speak to Airmen directly about their careers.

"It gave the cadets a good opportunity the see the operational Air Force first-hand," 2nd Lt. Stewart Perlow, 92nd Contracting Squadron, contract management officer said. "They got to see how it really works."

There are a number of cadets in the group that plan on being pilots and being able to watch the water survival training gave them a better grasp on some of training expected from them beforehand. They were also able to speak to some of the pilots about their lifestyles, likes and dislikes.

"It has given us a great chance to get experience in the operational Air Force," 1st Class Cadet Travis Whittemore, cadet tour leader said "We don't get an opportunity to see what goes on because we are focused so much in the academic part being at the Air Force Academy."

"The Air Force is lucky to get this group of cadets," United States Air Force Academy cadet squadron commander Maj. Ryan Coyne said "It has been a privilege for me to work with each and every one of them."