Civil Air Patrol National Activity Out Of This World

The Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course activity was a week filled with exciting and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From flying along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in a Pavehawk Helicopter to an up-close look of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, this Civil Air Patrol National Cadet Special Activity is one I will never forget.

Twenty cadets from across the country attended this program with me. I really enjoyed talking and sharing different ideas with them. We started out this week of fun by exploring the Kennedy Space Center. Activities included Imax movies, a bus tour of the launch sites and lunch with Astronaut McBride. We also got to see the newest exhibit of Gus Grissom's Mercury capsule, the Liberty Bell 7. Until recently it was resting on the ocean floor where it had sank upon re-entry.

The next few days we learned about the Air Force's paramount role in launches and space missions. Patrick Air Force Base is home to the 45th Space Wing Headquarters, whose job is to ensure launch success. They monitor and launch spacecraft in addition to protecting the Space Shuttles and NASA's other satellites.

The USAF-CAP liaison personnel arranged for us to have stimulating behind the scenes tours of launch pads and satellite building facilities. We were able to go and see the Space Shuttle solid rocket boosters and the recovery facilities. The Space Shuttle Atlantis happened to be sitting on the launch pad and our special tour took us really close! I felt very privileged to get this opportunity.

General Susan Helms, the 45th Space Wing Commander, spent an hour talking to us and answering questions. She described her career in the Air Force and the Astronaut Corps. After graduating from the Air Force Academy and other technical schools she was encouraged to apply for the Astronaut Corps and was immediately accepted for training. After twelve years in NASA she decided to return to the Air Force to coordinate launches. Just two years later she was promoted to the 45th Space Wing Commander. I really enjoyed speaking with her and hearing about her life because it motivated me and gave me some suggestions on how to make myself a good candidate to be an astronaut.

Some of our Air Force tour guides were jealous of us cadets because we had the opportunity to fly over the launch pads in a Pavehawk Helicopter, which they had never done! These were the same helicopters that fly security patrol missions over the launch pads and surrounding waters. Riding with the door open hundreds of feet above water was exhilarating and we got a bird's eye view of the launch sights.

After a week of jam-packed days of thrilling activities we were able to spend the last day relaxing and enjoying Coco Beach's sunshine! While kayaking the Banana River we were joined by some dolphins and manatees! Many of the cadets were from northern or inland states and had never seen sea mammals before.

The Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course opened my eyes to all the work that happens behind the scenes for all the launches. I now see all the effort that goes into the NASA Space Program and the hundreds of people who dedicate their life to its success. This activity has again motivated me to study and work hard in school so I can pursue my dream of becoming an astronaut!

C/Capt. Christina Zarrilli, Florida Wing (2006)

C/Capt Zarrilli's credits include Flying Eagle CAP National Activity 2006 Scholarship Essay winner. She said, "Knowing one's ethic background is important because our culture influences our beliefs, actions and how we treat those around us. From a very young age I have been taught tolerance of other cultures and religions. As cadet commander of my Civil Air Patrol squadron, I must make accommodations necessary for respect of certain religious traditions."