Staff Sgt. Andrew Blake, 66th Training Squadron water survival instructors, talks to U.S. Air Force Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets about water safety prior going through a water survival training scenario at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 13, 2014. Several cadets came here for a two-week program called Operation Air Force. The program was created as a mandate in 2004 by the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force to have cadets go out and experience day-to-day real world Air Force careers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

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Members of the 92nd Security Forces Squadron assist cadets as they participate in a hands-on demonstration with military working dogs at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 10, 2014. The cadets visit was for the Operation Air Force program, allowing them to travel to Air Force bases across the world to better understand the operational mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mary O'Dell)

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An F-15C Eagle from Fresno, California, departs from a KC-135 Stratotanker’s boom during a training mission over California June 11, 2014. During the flight, the crew performed training procedures with five F-15s from Kingsley Field, Oregon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño)

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Airman 1st Class Stephon Sharief gives U.S. Air Force Academy cadets instructions before the flight at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 11, 2014. The training mission gave academy cadets an opportunity to see the KC-135 Stratotanker in action. Sharief is a boom operator from the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño)

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U.S. Air Force Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets wait as Airmen from the 66th Training Squadron prepares a water survival scenario for the cadets to experience at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 13, 2014. Several cadets came here for a two week program called Operation Air Force. The program was created as a mandate in 2004 by the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force to have cadets go out and experience day-to-day real world Air Force careers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

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Col. Brian Newberry speaks to Air Force Academy cadets during a welcome briefing after their arrival at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 16, 2014. The cadets are participating in an Operation Air Force program, allowing them to travel to an operational Air Force base and experience the mission firsthand. Newberry is the 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mary O'Dell)

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AF Academy cadets see operational mission firsthand

Published June 17, 2014
By Senior Airman Mary O'Dell
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Operation Air Force, a program sending groups of cadets to bases around the world, brought 15 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets to Fairchild in June.

For three weeks, cadets are given the opportunity to experience firsthand everything an operational Air Force base has to offer.

"The value of Operation Air Force is captured in two key principles: mission and people," said Col. Brian Hill, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander and Academy graduate. "The opportunity for USAFA cadets to feel, hear and see the AF mission up close and personal is priceless; the mission is the reason our Air Force exists and will continue to be the foundation for its role in our nation's defense."

During their visit, the cadets receive one-on-one interaction with active-duty and Air National Guard Airmen. A few of their stops include the 92nd Security and Communications Squadrons, the 92nd Maintenance and Medical Groups and, also, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school and 36th Rescue Flight.

During the last week of their visit, cadets are able to participate in "shadow days," allowing them to take a deeper look into the operational aspect of career fields they may be interested in.

"It's cool to be able to participate in this program," said Cadet Troy Dennis. "It's eye opening to see all of the different career fields working together around base and I'm thankful for this opportunity."

The future officers were also able to participate in an air-refueling orientation flight on one of Team Fairchild's KC-135 Stratotankers.

"Focused engagement with Airmen who shoulder the responsibilities of executing the mission 24/7/365 helps cadets gain an appreciation for the outstanding men and women they will serve as leaders in our Air Force and offers a glimpse into what will be expected of them while serving as United States Air Force officers," said Hill. "Operation Air Force complements the Air Force Academy's demanding curriculum of academic, athletic, military and character training which ultimately provides our Air Force an outstanding leadership core."