Air Force Academy cadets visit Creech, experience operational Air Force

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. A.K.
  • 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  Cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Cadet Squadron 25, visited Creech Air Force Base, Nev., April 11 as part of an Academy sponsorship program that pairs cadet squadrons with operational wings throughout the Air Force.

The program helps cadets see and learn about actual applications of their lessons taught at the Academy and gives cadets an opportunity to see and learn about the mission of their sponsoring unit.

Coming through the gates, some of the cadets were unsure of what to expect the base to look like and how it operates.

"I was expecting Creech to be much smaller and isolated, but I thought it was really beautiful with all of the mountains. I'm really impressed by how built up it is," said Cadet 4th Class Alex Olsen, U.S. Air Force Academy cadet. "It was surprising to me to learn that the 432nd Wing's mission plays such a big part overseas. It is really making a difference every day for the people who are out there fighting the battle right now."

Cadet 3rd Class Sarah Hill, U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, said she was amazed by the remotely piloted aircraft capabilities and mission impacts around the world.

"I was surprised to learn that the remotely piloted aircraft community participates in humanitarian efforts while also serving great purposes down range," she said. "It was really impressive to see the large scope of missions RPAs can aid in.

Cadet 3rd Class Jade Diggs, U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, said Creech AFB was the first base she had been to and it was her first chance to see the operational side of the Air Force.

"It was interesting for me to learn how vital someone can be to a place that is so far away," she said. "I'm eager to see the whole base and the dynamics of how the operations work and to see how the operational side completes the mission.

For Cadet 4th Class Eric Yuan, U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, Creech was not what he had expected at all. "It's very quiet out here which is a good thing I think with the mission that you do." He said.

"My favorite part of the tour was being able to work with the military working dogs," he said. "I put on the suit which was surprisingly comfortable and when the handler had the dog come after me, I hardly felt anything." He said he was surprised at how well the MWD was trained and the tactics that the dogs used.

Olsen also had a more personal connection while visiting and getting acquainted with the base. His brother Capt. Andrew, a remotely piloted aircraft pilot, works at the base and was one of the guides for the group's that visited.

"It's nice to see him and where he goes to work each day," He said "It's been really good to see him working in the operational Air Force and making a difference. He has always been a big example for me.

"I know it's not the easiest thing to meet the mission every day and the same day go home to your wife and kids. I appreciate the sacrifices that he makes to come here and do this."

Andrew said he was proud to have his brother come to the base and be able to show him and the other cadets first-hand what he does.

"My brother and I have talked about my job but, it's been a lot of fun to be able to show him as well," he said.