More than 200 military and civilian Airmen from the Air Force Materiel Command represented the U.S. Air Force at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture 2024 airshow, July 21-28 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The event was an opportunity to highlight the command's commitment to inspiring future generations of Airmen and emphasizing continued innovation and excellence in the Air Force.
Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, AFMC commander, visited the grounds July 27, meeting with Airmen on site who discussed the diverse and vital roles of the command's military and civilian service members.
"Seeing the passion for what our experts do is truly inspirational," Richardson said. "It's remarkable to see that we are backed by a lot of technical experts all across AFMC's six centers."
Personnel from AFMC's six centers - Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Test Center, Air Force Sustainment Center and the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center - showcased their critical roles in the Air Force's innovative research, development, test, and evaluation capabilities.Engineers, human resource specialists, technicians, STEM professionals and more, connected with aviation enthusiasts, highlighting their work in areas such as technology development, weapons system testing, and sustainment. Various displays, including hands-on STEM activities, engaged visitors throughout the event.
Among the AFMC coordinated aircraft on static display were the B-52H Stratofortress, F-15EX Eagle II, T-38 Talon, and C-12 Huron aircraft as well as a C-17 Globemaster III from the reserve Unit at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and a C-130 Hercules from the Connecticut Air National Guard. The B-52 stood as the centerpiece at the Boeing Plaza.
Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, AFMC deputy commander, also visited, expressing her gratitude for the team's message.
"Everyone is fully engaged in talking with all attendees, showcasing all the great things our team is doing and emphasizing the life cycle of our assets," Hurry said.
More than 20 AFMC subject matter experts spoke to local and national news organizations, sharing their service stories and the range of military and civilian career opportunities available within the Air Force.
The uniqueness of AFMC was highlighted by Curtiss Petrek, AFMC Deputy Director of Staff.
"With nearly 80% civilians, AFMC provides lifecycle management services and sustainment for nearly every major Air Force weapon system," he said.
Rachael Ferguson, an Air Force logistics co-lead and special event manager at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, shared her 10-year experience as a civilian Air Force employee.
"Many people don't realize the variety of opportunities available in the Air Force, especially in AFMC," said Ferguson. "We have opportunities for people of diverse talents and experiences."
Headquartered at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, AFMC is responsible for installation and mission support, discovery and development, test and evaluation, and life cycle management services and sustainment for every major Air Force weapon system. The command employs nearly 89,000 military and civilian Airmen and oversees a substantial budget authority of $80.2 billion.
View the AFMC at AirVenture 2024 Flickr Album here.
