MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) -- Maxwell Air Force Base hosted an Air Force Global Strike Command Project Tuskegee event May 12, with more than 200 students from the local area touring a B-1B Lancer and interacting with the crew.
Project Tuskegee was created by Gen. Anthony Cotton, AFGSC commander and former Air University commander. The project is a partnership with Tuskegee University where Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps are exposed to opportunities available as an AFGSC “Striker.”
The opportunity presented Air Force Junior ROTC cadets and STEM students from local and regional schools with an up close and personal look at the B-1B, allowing them to climb into the cockpit to see what it looks like. It also allowed them to speak with the crew and learn more about the AFGSC mission.
The purpose of Project Tuskegee is to advance AFGSC diversity and inclusion efforts, while educating students on opportunities within AFGSC as aligned with Air Force objectives.
“It’s crucially important to engage with students so that we can continue to add diversity to the Air Force,” said Lt. Col. Craig Dorn, commander, AFGSC headquarters squadron.
Air Force Recruiting Service's Detachment 1 was there providing information for students. The detachment also brought along an F-35 flight simulator for students to take for a spin.
“We’re basically just trying to cast as wide of a net as possible and inform as many people about the Air Force,” said Capt. Michael Walsleben, Detachment 1 Inspirations Operations deputy flight commander. “Whether it’s youth or their influencers such as teachers or principals, we want to get them interested in flying.”
AFGSC is looking at bringing aircraft to other locations in the future to reach even more cadets and students.
“We’re making our Air Force a more diverse force,” Dorn said. “So that we can be able to tackle the engagements that are forthcoming for us here in the 21st century.”
The event also featured impromptu visitors. While taxiing on the flightline for another visit, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond noticed the students and decided to join in. Brown and Raymond took the opportunity to talk with AFJROTC cadets, answer their questions and share insight into the Air Force and Space Force.
“It’s always a great day when I can meet our Air Force’s future,” Brown said. “Thanks, Global Strike and Air Force Junior ROTC for letting us crash your tour!”