ERAU and Detachment 157 Alumni Return to Campus in KC-10

ARTICLE BY MADISON BURSTINER AND ABBEY SPENCER

PHOTOS BY COLIN DAILY AND ABBEY SPENCER

DESIGN BY JACOB RAINERSON / Staff Reporter

Embry-Riddle’s Detachment 157 is one of the nation’s top Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps Programs. ERAU’s Air Force Cadets are afforded some of the most select and unique opportunities in existence during their tenure as a cadet. This semester, this included a visit with the pilot and crew of the Air Force’s KC-10 aircraft.

At the end of February, First Lieutenant Nathan Amaral and crewmembers from Travis Air Force Base traveled to Daytona Beach for training. The training goal was to give the crew of the KC-10 tanker aircraft practice in an unfamiliar environment. Members of Det. 157 had the opportunity to observe these training flights.

As the tanker aircraft approached during sunset on February 27th, students stationed along the border of the flight line and on top of the parking garage and Aviation Maintenance Science (AMS) deck watched as the loud tanker soared by and circled to land. For First Lieutenant Nathan Amaral, an Embry-Riddle and Det. 157 alum, everything came full circle in that moment.

The Avion was given a chance to speak with Lieutenant Amaral and KC-10 crew member Garret Teegerstrom, a Technical Sergeant and flight engineer. In the lobby of their hotel, Amaral explained to us that he was a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet as a teenager and was drawn to ERAU by a recruiter at a CAP event. He explains that he was so enthralled by the Embry-Riddle culture that it was the only college he decided to apply to, and the only place he could see himself going. For someone who was a self-described “nerd” in high school with a passion for planes and aviation, ERAU was the perfect place to pursue a career in flight.

After enlisting in the Air Force, Teegerstrom also attended ERAU, as a Worldwide student. He explained that Worldwide was the perfect fit for him because he was able to continue flying full time for the Air Force, while having his real world experience reflected in his course load at ERAU.

Amaral’s career progressed quite quickly after leaving ERAU. He was commissioned into the Air Force after graduation, and two weeks later he arrived at Columbus Air Force base for Air Force pilot training. After finishing his pilot training and being stationed at Travis Air Force base, he explains that life moved quite fast. He is now married with a daughter. Teegerstrom agrees, noting that his life also progressed quickly after graduation.

When asked about their experience flying the Air Force’s KC-10, Amaral notes that flying a tanker is a uniquely thrilling opportunity because of the sheer number of operations he is able to partake in. As a tanker pilot, his skill set is required for mission success. He notes that “You’re involved in almost every major operation; without tankers you can’t implement anything. It gives you a very unique opportunity to not only travel but have a direct impact on multiple mission sets, multiple different airframes, multiple different tasks we can do everything from cargo to fighters, to moving them, to air medical evacuation too.”

Sadly, the KC-10’s days in the sky are nearing its end and will soon be replaced by the KC-46. According to Amaral, the KC-46 is “a newer, significantly more reliable aircraft… it is a much more advanced aircraft, a much more modern aircraft.” Though the KC10 and it’s features will be missed by airmen and plane aficionados alike, the KC-46 will surely become just as beloved as its predecessor.

On March 16, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ew into KDAB with a B-24 Liberator, P-51 Mustang, T-6 Texan, T-34 Mentor, C-45 Expeditor, and a Stearman Biplane. e CAF is a non-pro t organization that maintains and ies WW2 era aircra as a way to teach people about WW2 history. e AirPower History Tour ran from March 17 through March 19.

On March 25, Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) hosted the Gator Fly-In and Armed Forces Appreciation. It was a combination of a car show and an air show with live music and food trucks. Aircra rides included a T-34B Mentor, Robinson R-44 Helicopter, and Cessna 172. Static display aircra included a C-130 Hercules, UH-60 Blackhawk, ShandsCair Helicopter, and Alachua County Sheri ’s O ce Helicopter.

The annual Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo took place from March 28 to April 2 at Lakeland Linder International Airport, and was an event to remember for all aviation and aerospace enthusiasts. Featuring dozens upon dozens of aircraft, and even highly sophisticated military aircraft such as the F-35, the 2023 expo showcased incredible innovation and aviation expertise.

Military aircraft had a huge presence at this year’s expo, allowing event goers an up close and personal look at some of the world’s most technologically advanced aircraft systems. Not only could aviation enthusiasts take a tour of rare and unique aircraft, and even explore the cockpit of the Boeing C-17 aircraft, they could also enjoy watching the thrill and adventure of jaw dropping air shows.

Fan favorites, The U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron “The Blue Angels”, which formed in 1946 and is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, gave a breathtaking routine to close out the expo. Jetting past the star struck crowds, and kicking up dust and sand in their wake the Blue Angels gave another unforgettable performance.

Another fan favorite was the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant, and the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variant. Both aircraft showed off some pretty intense advanced avionics, and made sure the crowd’s ears were left ringing by the end of their performance.

It was another successful year for Sun ‘n Fun, everyone’s favorite Florida airshow!