Air Force Academy Cadets tour Hickam

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Air Force Academy cadets were given a sneak peek into the blue when they toured the base July 11th through the 29th as part of Operation Air Force.  With life decisions ahead of them, it was a perfect opportunity to make a crucial decision about their careers.

The 15th Wing mission mentor program involved time spent with the 15th Medical Group, 15th Operations Group, 15th Maintenance Group and 647th Air Base Group to gain an appreciation for the team effort required to accomplish the 15th WG mission.  Additionally, the cadets took special tours of the 613th Air and Space Operations Center and Arizona Memorial, and were included in senior officer visits.

According to Cadet Justin Lennon, Air Force Academy cadet in charge, it's a great opportunity to learn more about military history.

"It's very rewarding just to see the people who served here in World War II and see some of that heritage, specifically Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial," he said.

Capt. Christopher Keller, 15th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment commander, explained how the visit may help them decide on a future career field.

"The program offers broad Air Force experiences they would likely not receive directly from their commissioning source," he said.

Cadet Lennon explained how some of the cadets have an idea of what they want to pursue in the Air Force, yet a majority are still undecided.  Seeing the operational side of the Air Force and getting up close and personal with Airmen will help them make a decision in the long run and is also a great opportunity, since  interaction with Airmen at the Air Force Academy has been minimal.

"There is little to no interaction of that sort in the academy," he said. "(It was good) coming out here and getting to sit down for a couple of hours and ask them what their impressions of officers in their respective career field are and what good advice they can give us."

Captain Keller said he was impressed with the young group of cadets.

"Truly, a great group of cadets this year," he said. "I think they enjoyed their time to decompress in Hawaii."

"It's been awesome," Cadet Lennon said.