LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- “The Airmen spent a day with the 56th Operations Group and attended lunch at Club Five-Six with the group chiefs,” said Master Sgt. Benjamin Taylor, 62nd Fighter Squadron superintendent. “The OG planned the entire day. Every quarter the group is rotated to explore the experiences each offers.”
The immersion program gives Airmen the opportunity to experience the Air Force from a different perspective.
“The event lasts for one day,” Taylor said. “Instead of being briefed on what the group does, the Airmen get to participate in live scenario events to show them some of the situations the group goes through on a daily basis.”
The 56th OG immersion program event was a success. The Airmen experienced checking out the F-35 Lightning II, visited the air traffic control tower, walked on the flightline and simulated parachuting.
“I really enjoyed participating in the immersion program,” said Airman First Class Heidi Goodsell, 56th Fighter Wing broadcaster. “Being able to see what other career fields do here on Luke has been an eye opener and has helped me see how the mission ties together.”
The immersion program allows groups to reward its outstanding performers and learn how Airmen contribute to the mission of training world’s greatest F-35 and F-16 fighter pilots.
“The program lets Airmen get a brand new experience and also network with one another,” Taylor said. “It will help them grow and they will be able to carry this experience with them and show others how the different units on base do their job.”