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Focus on Flight

  • Published
  • By Rachel Ehmke
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
ST. LOUIS --  The St. Louis Science Center buzzed with Air Force Week activities Aug. 9 as hundreds gathered to listen to an astronaut and fighter pilot share their experiences.

Air Force Lt. Col. Terry Virts, a NASA astronaut, and Maj. Robert Novotny, an F-15 Eagle pilot, answered questions about their unique careers and signed autographs for visitors.

Colonel Virts said he was honored by the opportunity to address a public who has been so supportive of the Air Force and excited to help the service, which has been at war since the first Gulf War began in 1991.

Colonel Virts said he enjoyed the opportunity to share his NASA experience and the Air Force's role in space programs with those in attendance.

"Space is a big part of the Air Force," Colonel Virts said. "A lot of people forget that."

While Colonel Virts enjoyed speaking with the crowd, the feeling seemed mutual.

"People act like there's a rock star here," said Lynda Joyner of Belleville, Ill. "It's not just the kids either. Mothers and grandmothers are excited about meeting an astronaut and getting his autograph."

Major Novotny also addressed a large crowd, describing his job and the making of OMNIIMAX film "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag."

"Fighter Pilot" chronicles the experiences of an F-15 pilot at Red Flag, the elite Air Force combat training program located at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The film allows audiences to witness U.S. and allied pilots participate in dangerous war games projected onto the OMNIMAX screen.

Col. John Morgan, a retired dental squadron commander and member of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. attended the film's screening.

"I felt like I was flying," Colonel Morgan said afterward. "Sign me up!"

The importance of education and physical fitness was a theme in all of the presentations. Virts recommended an aspiring astronaut to, "do well in math and science. Always do your best in school."

Major Novotny, an Air Force Academy graduate, agreed.

"The Air Force wants students with good SAT scores and good grades. We also want students who are well-rounded, good citizens who excel in sports and are good leaders," said the major.

Colonel Morgan remembered education being a key component during his Air Force career as well. He used his GI bill to go to school, and said the Air Force "kept dangling carrots" in the form of education opportunities while he served.

Colonel Morgan recommends all young people consider joining the military.

"You get a good education and you learn discipline, which is a very valuable thing," he said.

"Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag" will continue to run twice daily at the Science Center through Aug.11. Additionally, visitors can experience "Cross Into The Blue," a high-tech, interactive exhibit featuring an F-16 Fighting Falcon, an extreme equilibrium ride and several interactive games. The exhibit is free to the public and runs through today.