The sky wasn’t just the limit for Richland Northeast’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) last week; it became their classroom.
On September 5, cadets from the program had the unique opportunity to board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III for a one-of-a-kind orientation flight, providing them with a firsthand look at military aviation and operations. The event, coordinated in collaboration with Charleston Air Force Base and local military partners, allowed cadets to step aboard the same aircraft responsible for delivering troops, vehicles, and humanitarian aid around the globe.
“One remarkable thing about the C-17 Globemaster III is its ability to perform a battlefield ‘short takeoff and landing’ (STOL) despite being a massive cargo aircraft. It can use runways as short as 3,500 feet and as narrow as 90 feet, even if they are unpaved,” third-year cadet Jordan Dozier, junior, said.
For many cadets, this was their first time flying, and the experience left an indelible mark. Once aboard the colossal cargo aircraft, students were given an exclusive tour of the cockpit, cargo bay, and emergency systems. Aircrew members shared insights on the aircraft’s operations and the vital role it plays in both combat and disaster relief missions.
“I think the part of the aircraft experience that stood out the most was seeing Air Force personnel doing their training while actually in the sky,” said 2nd-year cadet Gerardo Jesus Enriquez Torres, a sophomore at Richland Northeast High School. “It made the whole experience feel so real.”
The flight was more than just an exciting adventure; it tied directly into NJROTC’s mission of exposing students to real-world military careers and leadership opportunities. Over the past few years, Richland Northeast’s NJROTC program has expanded rapidly, providing cadets with experiences in community service, career exploration, and leadership camps. This flight exemplified the program’s commitment to preparing students for success in both military and civilian careers.
“Flying on the C-17 was an incredible experience. From boarding to deplaning, it gave me a whole new perspective on how the crew operates,” Executive Officer Naomi Hardnett-Drummond, senior, said. “Watching the medics, pilots, and support teams do their jobs with such precision and focus on safety was both impressive and educational. I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity. It was an unforgettable experience.”
For the cadets, the experience offered a rare glimpse into a potential future they may one day pursue. As the C-17’s engines roared and the aircraft made its way back to base, the cadets stepped off the plane with wide eyes and new ambitions. Their feet were back on the ground, but their perspectives had been elevated—leaving many with dreams that had just taken flight.
*Editor’s note: Andrew Morrison and Jade Milton are Cadet Leaders in the NJROTC program.
