An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News Stories
NEWS | March 10, 2023

Students experience Joint Base Andrews Aerospace Summit

By Senior Airman Daekwon Stith 316th Wing Public Affairs

Future engineers, scientists and inventors from local area schools filled the bay area of hangar three on March 9, for the 5th Annual Aerospace Summit.

Sponsored by the Patriots Training Technology Center, JBA’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math annual event is an opportunity for young students to learn about the many facets of aviation careers and operations while sparking curiosity with aircraft tours and exciting competitions.

JB Andrews’s STEAM program has positively impacted more than 18,000 K-12 students since 2017 through events such as field trips to airshows, high school mentoring programs, participating as judges in local school science fairs and hosting the annual Aerospace Summit.

This year, multiple organizations were involved including NASA partners and other U.S. military branches such as the Army and Coast Guard.

“Our goal here today is to show you more about aviation and aerospace and that everyone from Army to Navy and even our civilian counterparts [have opportunities in aviation],” said U.S. Army Col. Louis Patrick Hawkins, 29th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade commander.

When opening remarks finished, students were broken up into groups to participate in 14 different workshops, each showing their unique involvement with the STEAM program. From air traffic control simulations to building military-grade ships and drone test flights, students had a multitude of careers to experience hands-on.

Tamilore Adebiyi, a Duval High School sophomore, commented, “Trying out the drone test definitely reconfirms that this is what I want to do coming out of high school.”

JBA’s STEAM program supports the Accelerate Change or Lose mentality and is just one of the many ways to be ready for tomorrow's challenges.

“The program allows us to garner potential student interest in military STEAM career fields,” said Kristofer Zimmerman, 316th Wing Community Planning Liaison and STEAM coordinator. “In order to be ready for today’s workforce development challenges and tomorrow’s missions, we need to take the initiative now.”

After a brief lunch break, students participated in competitions to put their drone flying, computer flight simulator, and air traffic control skills to the test. Winners were announced at the end of the event by U.S. Air Force Col. Todd E. Randolph, 316th Wing and installation commander.

After announcing winners and thanking all the volunteers for contributing to the event this year, Randolph left the students with a few final words. “Be bold, be innovative and be creative!”

Search
Feature
USAF Band members march at POTUS Jimmy Carter's State Funeral.

Final honors: Air Force Band supports President Carter state funeral events

Military bands, including The U.S. Air Force Band, joined JTF-NCR’s overall support through musical performances at key moments during former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral Jan. 4-9. Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died Dec...
Commentary
The U.S. flag waves in the wind at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 11, 2024. The flag was lowered to half-staff to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Broome)

Upholding our customs and courtesies: The importance of Reveille and Retreat

As the command chief of the 316th Wing here, I am constantly struck by the dedication and professionalism of our Joint Base Andrews community. Every day, you all do amazing, hard work... and you all make it look so easy!Despite how unique our base...