Reserve pilots take cadets under wing

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Julie Briden-Garcia
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  Two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets recently received a unique opportunity to fly in an F-16 with the 301st Fighter Wing over their 2015 summer break.

These flights are not only an unique opportunity for cadets, but are also used to introduce cadets to U.S. Air Force flying operations and motivate those considering a career as a pilot, as described in Air Force Instruction 11-401.

Affording this opportunity to cadets was one way Lt. Col. Lane Beene, director of operations for the 457th Fighter Squadron and USAFA graduate, could guide future officers into the aviation field and possibly the Air Force Reserve. Beene specifically wanted to reach out to these cadets and offer them more than just an opportunity of a lifetime, but a chance to help mentor their choice of careers.

"When it comes time to giving [cadets] career guidance, it's hard for a non-aviation counselor to give them an accurate assessment of the aviation field," said Beene. "There are not many fighter pilots in the academic world to offer this sort of counsel to them." 

Flying with the fighter squadron gave cadets exposure to an operational assignment, a glimpse into the career field and training requirements, as well as what it takes to get a pilot slot. The fighter squadron's connection also sought to motivate the cadets. 

"The more we can expose them [to the flying program], the more they will realize this is an exciting career field. If you are able to endure and persevere through the difficulties, all those challenges at the Academy, ROTC or through pilot training. If you can endure that, you can reach a career field that is very envious, very exciting and one that has a tremendous amount of opportunities," said Beene.

Struggling to contain his excitement, Wyatt Kelly, an Academy cadet whose father is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, said his flight was an awesome experience.

"The flight was fantastic, and I can relate to many of the pilots who were in my shoes just five or ten years prior," said the 19-year-old Weatherford, Texas, native. "It was also great to see the squadron dynamics, how they operate on a day-to-day basis and everything that goes into making the mission a success."

Capt. Nicholas Hanna, an active duty F-16 pilot assigned to Detachment 457, explained the flying experience these cadets received.

"In the back seat, they experienced close air support, air-to-air missions, preplanned targets, and sometimes a combination of air-to-air and preplanned target. It can be entertaining when they come in," Hanna said.

The 457th Fighter Squadron's involvement seems to be having exactly that effect on some of the Academy cadets.

"I think it really opened my eyes as to what being a pilot in the Air Force is about," said Wyatt. "There is so much more than merely hopping in the jet. The experience reaffirmed that I want to fly in the Air Force."