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The group of 12 witnessed an air refueling of an RC135 Rivet Joint, first-hand, assigned to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

The students laid in the boom-pod during refueling and spent time in the cockpit throughout the orientation flight.

“By hosting students and ROTC cadets on these types of flights, we get the chance to give them ideas for career paths that they might be interested in pursuing,” said Airman 1st Class Cassandra Wesley, a boom operator assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron.

Not only did the Sapphire event expose students to aviation careers, but the event celebrated the diversity of the past, present and future aviators while honoring the first female combat systems officers of class 78-01.

“It is so important to show students that you can be a female pilot, boom and you can even be a maintainer,” said Tech. Sgt. Diandra Sims, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief.

Jordan Williams, FSU ROTC cadet, explained that she felt the experience was eye-opening for many as she witnessed students discussing the excitement of the flight and their excitement to be the future of the U.S. Air Force.

“This is great exposure,” said Williams. “Seeing all of the different things you can accomplish as part of the Air force has been amazing.”

The 6th ARW remains committed to building an agile and diverse force to inspire future leaders and will continue to offer orientation flights to strengthen community relationships and motivate students to chase their goals.

“I know that I have the future watching me,” said Sims. “No matter what people say, you can do anything that you want to do.”

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cassandra Wesley, a boom operator assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, reviews a checklist with Evelynn Kite, a Florida State University ROTC cadet, prior to a refueling mission over the Southeastern United States, March 12. Boom operators have the ability to pump thousands of pounds of fuel to any capable aircraft, thousands of feet above the ground, enabling rapid global mobility.