BATON ROUGE, La. -- A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, performed a flyover during a Southern University and A&M College football game, Sept. 3, 2022.
The flyover was conducted to promote recruitment as part of Air Force Global Strike Command’s Project Tuskegee. The project—a partnership with Tuskegee University—affords Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets the opportunities available as an AFGSC “Striker.” Members from the 5th Bomb Wing volunteered to participate in the flyover operations in support of Project Tuskegee.
“My hope is that in some way I was able to provide some form of inspiration and representation to a kid, teenager, student or cadet that looks like me,” said Capt. Zaquero Hartnett, a 69th Bomb Squadron electronic warfare officer. “Someone who was able to see us overhead and witness how amazing flying can be. Maybe this was their first ever flyover, and now they start thinking I can do that, I can fly too. It's a special feeling knowing that in some way you are affecting the future aviators out there and if they ever need anyone you have their back.”
As a part of AFGSC, Team Minot has a critical role in strategic deterrence and global security through the missions of the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing. Outreach events like the flyover showcase how diversity and inclusion are critical in accomplishing the mission.
"The 5th Bomb Wing was privileged to lead the charge on a series of upcoming flyovers that will build awareness of the awesome career opportunities that exist for people to serve their nation in the Air Force," said Col Daniel Hoadley, 5th Bomb Wing commander. "We welcome people from all backgrounds to join our team, and we hope that this flyover contributes to growing the corps of future bomber aviators."
AFGSC is responsible for all United States Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles and the future Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent, also known as Sentinel, as well as all bomber aircraft, including the B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, and the future B-21 Raider. The command is entering an era of transformation as it begins to transition from legacy systems to more modern weapon systems based on new technologies.
Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander of AFGSC, takes the task of delivering long-range strike capability across the globe as his charge. He sees this task requiring a mindset of modernization across the command that provides opportunities to all, while also embracing the rich history of Global Strike.
“All Airmen stand on the shoulders of the Tuskegee Airmen,” Cotton said. “The Tuskegee Airmen were critical to the success of bomber forces during World War II, proving we are better when everyone has an opportunity to contribute.”
For more information about Project Tuskegee click here.