44th FS, 18th OSS provide STEM education

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Linzmeier
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
Kadena Air Base, Japan --  Approximately 100 8th-graders from Kadena Middle School toured the 18th Operations Support Squadron April 22.

The students learned about how the Air Force's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiative relates to its work force.

1st Lt. Anthony Maxwell, 44th Fighter Squadron pilot, said the field trip was held to help inspire young minds to see what can be accomplished through STEM education and encourage children to pursue their dream careers.

Students broke up into groups and received hands-on classes from fighter pilots, who explained how STEM research is foundational to the modern workforce and the different ways it empowers the 18th Wing to deliver air superiority throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.

The classes included lessons about the F-15 Eagle history, mission and capabilities and other STEM oriented briefings. Pilots taught Sir Isaac Newton's Three Laws of Motion and other aspects of physics, which enable Eagles to take flight. The Airmen also provided an up-close look at a static display on the flight line.

"[The students] see the fun part of our job every day," said Capt. Jillian Morris, 44th FS pilot and standardization and evaluation liaison officer. "The loud takeoffs, the sounds of our breaks over the field; it's all the result of a lot of studying and a lot of hard work. We're here about 12 hours a day studying our tactics and that takes into account a lot of science and engineering."

Development in STEM research has resulted in a more agile, innovative and effective generation of Airmen. After spending the day showcasing the technical aspects of fighter culture, the Airmen of the 44th FS can only imagine what long term effect it will have on the visiting youth. 

"To stay relevant, we have to continue to push our own kids into the future," said Maxwell, "If somebody comes out of this field trip wanting to be an engineer and help design one of these jets or become a fighter pilot, that's awesome."