The New York Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing hosted midshipman Braeden Dillon, a maritime transportation, logistics, and security student from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, King’s Point, for a three-week internship at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Nov 17 to Dec. 2.
During the internship, Dillon learned about MQ-9 Reaper operations from members of the Wing’s formal training unit.
The FTU, which is operated by the Wing’s 108th Attack Squadron in partnership with the 491st Attack Squadron, a geographically separated unit belonging to the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base, trains MQ-9 pilots and sensor operators. The schoolhouse is unique as it is the only MQ-9 FTU in the Air National Guard, and it is the only Air Force schoolhouse that trains MQ-9 aviators east of the Mississippi.
“Having Midshipmen Dillon intern with the 174th Attack Wing was valuable for both him, and our members, said U.S. Air Force Capt. Nicole Clay, an officer assigned to the 108th Attack Squadron, 174th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard. “Not only was he exposed to all things MQ-9 from both an operational and maintenance perspective, but he was also able to provide insight to our members on the vital Merchant Marine mission.”
As a graduation requirement, midshipmen at the academy must complete an internship. The students are given a wide degree of latitude when selecting the internship, and many students elect to intern with military units or the private sector.
“I had to come up here all on my own and stay at the hotel for three weeks,” said Dillon. “It’s a lot of money, but I thought it was worth it because it’s helping my future.”
Students at the Merchant Marine Academy, like those at the other four U.S. service academies, attend tuition-free while incurring a service obligation after graduation.
“We have six years of mandatory service under the merchant marine,” said Dillon.
Upon graduation, academy students are required to maintain their U.S. Coast Guard license and repay their service obligation by serving on a U.S. flagged commercial vessel or by commissioning as an officer in one of the armed services.
“We’re allowed to commission into any branch of the armed forces,” said Dillon “You can go Air Force Reserves or Air National Guard as well, which is what I’m trying to do.
Dillon’s interest in the Air Force and aviation began at a young age through a family member’s service.
“The Air Force was my favorite because my grandmother was a colonel in the Air Force and she’s been talking about that with me since I was little,” said Dillon. “I always wanted to be in the Air Force, so that’s the reason I came here.”
While in Syracuse, Dillon observed MQ-9 flight operations from the system’s ground control station, met with MQ-9 maintenance personnel in the unit’s hangar, and conducted MQ-9 chase flights in cooperation with the Civil Air Patrol.
“It’s a whole new world for me and it’s definitely pushed me more towards wanting to do this,” said Dillon. “I think I’m going to strive to do something with the Air Force and hopefully the National Guard.”
“I’m grateful for the experience,” said Dillon. “Everyone has been amazing.”
The 174th Attack Wing is one of five wings that comprise the New York Air National Guard. Headquartered at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, NY, the Wing’s primary mission is to operate the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.