Cadets Take Flight: AFROTC Cadets Soar Aboard C-17 at Luke AFB

Cadets from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during a visit, Nov. 21, 2024 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The aircraft is assigned to the 446th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and offered cadets an exclusive experience to gain insights about airlift capabilities. During their time at Luke AFB, the cadets had the opportunity to observe the base's advanced training operations, including the state-of-the-art F-35A Lightning II fighter jet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Cadets Take Flight: AFROTC Cadets Soar Aboard C-17 at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Andrew Mazzarelli, 313th Airlift Squadron chief of standardization and evaluation, prepares for flight aboard a C-17 Globemaster III, Nov. 21, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The C-17 can carry a variety of cargo and troops, including 102 paratroopers and their gear, 10 up-armored Humvees, or two tractor-trailer trucks. Its cockpit features a fully integrated electronic system with positions for the pilot, co-pilot, and two observers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Cadets Take Flight: AFROTC Cadets Soar Aboard C-17 at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing flies over Arizona, Nov. 21, 2024 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The aircraft is a single-seat, single-engine, supersonic stealth fighter; it is designed to perform an array of missions, including strikes, intelligence, and reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Cadets Take Flight: AFROTC Cadets Soar Aboard C-17 at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Andrew Mazzarelli (left), 313th Airlift Squadron chief of standardization and evaluation, flies a C-17 Globemaster III alongside his co-pilot, Lt. Col. Bruce Cohn (right), 313th Airlift Squadron commander, Nov. 21, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Cadets from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University were able to connect their classroom learning with real-world experience through the incentive flight and F-35A Lightning II demonstration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Cadets Take Flight: AFROTC Cadets Soar Aboard C-17 at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing flies over Arizona, Nov. 21, 2024 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Known for its exceptional aerodynamic performance and advanced avionics, the F-35A will carry out next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability. The conventional takeoff and landing F-35A empowers the Air Force and its partners to dominate the skies – at any moment, in any location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Cadets Take Flight: AFROTC Cadets Soar Aboard C-17 at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Maj. Andrew Mazzarelli, 313th Airlift Squadron chief of standardization and evaluation, engages with cadets and fellow officers following a safe landing Nov. 21, 2024 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. As a graduate of Detachment 028, the same program as the cadets aboard, Mazzarelli served as a direct role model for them. Through his interactions, the cadets gained valuable insights into what it takes to become a pilot, with Mazzarelli offering perspectives that helped shape their expectations and aspirations for their future careers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Cadets Take Flight: AFROTC Cadets Soar Aboard C-17 at Luke AFB

U.S. Air Force Capt. Avril Sammis, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 028 assistant operations officer, experiences her first flight aboard a C-17 Globemaster III, Nov. 21, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Sammis enlisted in the Air Force in June 2005, and was commissioned through Officer Training School in March 2016. As a premier F-35A Lightning II pilot training hub, Luke AFB gave everyone on board a rare opportunity to witness the stealthy, high-tech fighter in action, with both the C-17 and F-35A flying side by side to showcase their dynamic capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Cadets Take Flight: AFROTC Cadets Soar Aboard C-17 at Luke AFB

Cadets from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, pose for a photo with the C-17 Globemaster III and aircrew, Nov. 21, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Cadets were exposed to seasoned Air Force personnel, including C-17 pilots, while observing F-35A Lightning II demonstrations that highlighted the seamless integration of air mobility and advanced fighter capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Cadets Take Flight: AFROTC Cadets Soar Aboard C-17 at Luke AFB

Published Nov. 26, 2024
By Amn Belinda Guachun-Chichay
56th Fighter Wing

Cadets from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during a visit, Nov. 21, 2024 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The aircraft is assigned to the 446th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and offered cadets an exclusive experience to gain insights about airlift capabilities. During their time at Luke AFB, the cadets had the opportunity to observe the base's advanced training operations, including the state-of-the-art F-35A Lightning II fighter jet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay)