Scott Civil Air Patrol Cadets Experience KC-135 Incentive Flight

Published Jan. 29, 2026
By Cadet Staff Sergeant Jocelyn Ventura
Scott Composite Squadron Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

On November 18, over 40 cadets of Scott Composite Squadron, the local unit of the Civil Air Patrol, were given a rare and unforgettable opportunity to participate in an incentive flight aboard two KC-135 Stratotankers.

A group photo in front of a plane — Courtesy Photo of a KC-135 Stratotanker incentive flight with the 126th Air Refueling Wing for Civil Air Patrol Cadets from the Scott Composite Squadron. Cadet Staff Sergeant Jocelyn Ventura, Scott Composite Squadron Public Affairs, covered the story using the skills she is learning before she enlists in the Air Force.

This extraordinary experience was made possible thanks to the Illinois Air National Guard’s 126th Air Refueling Wing and the 375th Air Mobility Wing’s 906th Air Refueling Squadron, whose aircrew and leadership generously provided their time, aircraft, and expertise to support CAP’s aerospace education mission. The flight offered cadets a firsthand look at one of the United States Air Force’s most critical capabilities, while also providing valuable insight into aviation careers, aircrew coordination, and aerospace technology.

The highlight of the mission came when cadets rotated through the boom operator’s station to watch the KC-135 perform a live aerial refueling. Seeing the aircraft approach and hold formation only yards behind the Stratotanker left a strong impression on everyone present. The precision, professionalism, and teamwork required between the aircrews underscored the complexity of modern air operations, something most people only read about, but few ever see.

A civil air patrol cadet watches as a plane is refueled — Courtesy Photo of a KC-135 Stratotanker incentive flight with the 126th Air Refueling Wing for Civil Air Patrol Cadets from the Scott Composite Squadron. Cadet Staff Sergeant Jocelyn Ventura, Scott Composite Squadron Public Affairs, covered the story using the skills she is learning before she enlists in the Air Force.

For many cadets, the flight was not only an exciting experience but also a motivating look into potential futures in aviation, aerospace engineering, or military service. Interacting with the crew, observing cockpit operations, and witnessing the refueling of one of America's most advanced aircraft allowed cadets to connect classroom aerospace lessons with real-world missions.

The KC-135 incentive flight was more than just an orientation flight; it was a chance for cadets to experience excellence in the air and gain a deeper understanding of the Air Force’s global mission. Opportunities like this inspire the next generation of aviators and leaders while reinforcing Civil Air Patrol’s commitment to aerospace education, cadet development, and partnership with the U.S Air Force.

A female cadet poses for a photo in a cockpit

The refueling arm is prepped for an aerial refueling.

About Civil Air Patrol

CAP is a congressionally chartered, federally funded, 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation and serves as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Founded Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense service during World War II, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that is a cost-effective force multiplier for Air Force-assigned missions.

Operating in all 50 states, Puerto Rico (including the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the District of Columbia and in more than 1,400 communities, CAP's aviation-connected volunteer professionals are engaged community members from a wide range of backgrounds and professions.

Based on our core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect, CAP provides a welcoming environment for all who qualify for membership and ensures that our organizational decisions are based on each individual’s abilities and interests. The opportunity to participate and progress is limited only by the desire, ability, participation, and performance of an individual.

CAP’s character and leadership programs for our cadets and aerospace education programs for K-12 are equally effective, providing a variety of innovative youth development initiatives and award-winning aviation/ STEM resources.

CAP provides mission-capable aircraft, a national small Unmanned Aircraft Systems fleet, specialized communications networks, imaging capabilities, and a cost-effective force of trained volunteers for its missions. In addition, CAP uses proprietary software for cellphone and radar forensics and geospatial technologies to support missions.

CAP provides a significant value and is positioned for future opportunities as a force for good in our communities, states, and nation.