WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Air Force ROTC cadets from various universities continued their studies in STEM during an internship with the 509th Maintenance Group’s research and engineering shop this summer at Whiteman Air Force Base.
The interns actively worked alongside 509 MXG Airmen in designing and fabricating solutions for mission-specific needs while gaining hands-on experience and knowledge.
“The officers and enlisted personnel are very helpful and provide so much of their experience,” said Holly Huber, Houston University ROTC cadet. “It’s cool to branch out of the classroom and figure out what you want to end up doing in your career.”
The students were divided into two groups and assigned tasks appropriate for their experience and skill levels supporting multiple units, such as 393rd Bomber Generation Squadron and 131st Maintenance Group by developing components for their B-2 weapons load trainer, enhancing training capabilities.
Another project the interns worked on was designing a replacement mount for the night vision goggles used by the 509th Security Forces Squadron that can be 3D printed in large batches, helping keep Whiteman’s warfighters constantly prepared.
”These students are a force multiplier for our smaller projects that won’t change the whole Air Force but change the lives of people working day to day,” said Air Force 1st Lieutenant Austin Stuck, 509th MXG research engineering electrical engineer. “Within the third or fourth month of them being here, two more projects will be complete, and we couldn't have done that without the manning boost they provided.”
Experiences like this help guide ROTC students when it comes to their future Air Force careers and develop them into the next generation of leaders.
“I think it’s definitely going to create stronger individuals coming into the service,” Stuck said. “Getting more perspective early on, especially from areas in the Air Force you wouldn't encounter otherwise, is only going to create a more holistic person.”
As the internship draws to a close, the interns can use the knowledge they learned to further their future careers as officers within the Air Force, leading the way for tomorrow's Air Force.