U.S. National Swim Team visits CMAFS

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE STATION – Steven Rose, 721st Mission Support Group deputy director, answers questions from the U.S. National Swim Team during a tour of the facilities here March 30, 2016. The visit and tour was part of the ongoing 50th Anniversary celebration for CMAFS. The installation was declared fully operational April 20, 1966. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Grimm)

U.S. National Swim Team visits CMAFS

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE STATION – Members of the U.S. National Swim Team listen as Steven Rose, 721st Mission Support Group deputy director, gives a tour of the facilities here March 30, 2016. The visit and tour was part of the ongoing 50th Anniversary celebration for CMAFS. The installation was declared fully operational April 20, 1966. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Grimm)

U.S. National Swim Team visits CMAFS

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE STATION – A member of the U.S. National Swim Team signs an autograph for an Airmen here March 30, 2016. The Team visited the Mountain as part of the ongoing 50th Anniversary celebration for CMAFS. The installation was declared fully operational April 20, 1966. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Grimm)

U.S. National Swim Team visits CMAFS

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE STATION – Members of the U.S. National Swim Team visited, toured and spent time with the Airmen “Behind the Blast Doors” here March 30, 2016. Cheyenne Mountain is one of the most secure facilities in the Department of Defense. It became fully operational April 20, 1966 after nearly six years of construction. The ceremony to celebrate the 50th Anniversary is scheduled for April 15. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jared Marquis)

U.S. National Swim Team visits America's Fortress

Published April 5, 2016
By Master Sgt. Jared Marquis
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

CHEYENNE MOUNTIAN AIR FORCE STATION, Colo. -- To help highlight the 50th Anniversary of Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station becoming fully operational, more than 20 current and hall of fame members of the U.S. National Swim Team visited, toured and spent time with Airmen here March 30.

"It was amazing to see a city underground and to thank (Airmen) for all the work that they do," said Katie Ledecky, U.S. National Swim Team member and Olympic gold medalist. "We support them and they support us. They do a lot for everybody in the country and we try to represent our country when we go out with a flag on our cap."

During the tour, the team toured the facility, including the industrial and common areas.

"Everything that we saw was absolutely amazing," said Tyler Clary, gold medal winner of the 200m backstroke event at the 2012 Olympic Games. "It was a great privilege and honor to be able come in here."

The team signed autographs and took pictures with approximately 30 Airmen "Behind the Blast Doors." Airmen even had the opportunity to take pictures with Clary's gold medal.

Clary said he was extremely honored to be able to share the medal with the Airmen and help break up the routine a little bit.

Several Airmen hesitated when handed the medal, saying that they didn't feel like they could wear it since they didn't earn it. Clary corrected them.

"Of all the people who have held this medal, these service members are the most deserving," said Clary. "It is because of them I am able to do what I love. I have the utmost respect for every one of the (people) who work in here and representing our country is a huge privilege. I don't take that lightly."

Cheyenne Mountain is one of the most secure facilities in the Department of Defense. It became fully operational April 20, 1966 after nearly six years of construction. The ceremony to celebrate the 50th Anniversary is scheduled for April 15.