Future Air Force officers visit RAF Lakenheath Published Aug. 1, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Jessica C. Donnelly 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Air Force Academy cadets are visiting RAF Lakenheath until August 1 for Operation Air Force. "The Operation Air Force program is designed to give cadets a view of how operational Air Force bases work," said Cadet 1st Class Benjamin Oster, Air Force Academy cadet. "The cadets go to an active duty base, spend 3 weeks there and learn how NCO's, senior NCO's and officers operate," said Capt. Robbin W. Riester, 48th Security Forces Squadron section commander. Cadet Oster explained, while the cadets are at a base they go through different shops to learn how they work. Captain Riester added, they will also do small projects while they are here, like helping with the Fourth of July celebration. They do some community service around the base as well, like helping at the post office. "The seniors typically work with the career field that they will be going into after they graduate to get a chance for some on-the-job training before they commission," said Captain Riester. "The program is separated into 3 sub units, soon-to-be sophomores, juniors and seniors," said Captain Riester. "What they do while they are here depends somewhat on what year they are in. We try to give the senior cadets a last minute, hands-on experience before they graduate by giving them NCO-level duties." Cadet Oster explained, generally every cadet takes part in the program for three weeks every summer they are enrolled in the academy. There are many bases that support Operation Air Force, overseas and in the states. Each year they go to a different base. Cadet Oster said, this is his second year participating in the program. He is enjoying being at RAF Lakenheath. "It's nice when you go to a base and all the personnel, Airmen, NCO's and officers, are really cooperative with helping the cadets and making them feel welcome," said Cadet Oster.