PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Cadets from the United States Air Force Academy and their instructors conducted a free fall parachute exercise from a 302d Airlift Wing C-130H Hercules aircraft, with assistance provided by the Wings of Blue - USAF Parachute Team, 98th Training Squadron, 731st Airlift Squadron and Peterson Space Force Base.
The USAFA Cadet Wing Spring 2026 Culminating Exercise challenged the cadets with a simulated personnel recovery mission. Allowing them to utilize their communication skills, troop movement abilities, first aid knowledge and security protocols. Additional complexity was added with the freefall event as cadets had to manage crew rest, equipment movement, and joint operations with the C-130 crew.
This joint exercise was made possible due to the military excellence and critical civilian-sector expertise provided by the 302d AW's reserve advantage.
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