Air Force ROTC Cadet Andrea Watson, of Westfield, enjoys the great outdoors when she isn’t studying for her future career in the United States Air Force. (Photo by Lori Szepelak)
By LORI SZEPELAK
Correspondent
WESTFIELD – Since her early teens, Andrea Watson knew her love of flying would take her to great heights one day.
Now at 19, a recent unique opportunity titled Operation Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California cemented the aspirations of this University of Massachusetts Amherst mechanical engineering student. Operation Air Force offers Air Force ROTC and Air Force Academy cadets an opportunity to experience the future roles and responsibilities that lie ahead.
The Department of Aerospace Studies at UMass, also known on campus as Air Force ROTC, is unique in that it is the only agent through which a student can, upon graduation, receive a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. To earn this commission, a cadet must meet the Reserve Officer Training Corps eligibility requirements, enroll in Aerospace Studies courses, attend a leadership lab, pass an Air Force officer qualifying test, be physically qualified, attend an officer field training program, and receive a bachelor or postgraduate degree.
Watson was at Edwards from June 4-17 and visited the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, the Air Force Research Laboratory Detachment 7, the 412th Force Support Squadron, and the 412th Maintenance Group. She was among 14 academy cadets and five ROTC cadets. Of the 20 cadets, she was one of four women on the trip.
During base tours, officers shared their commitment to their chosen profession and words of wisdom with cadets.
“The officers explained how they lead people,” said Watson. “Their best advice was to take care of your people andpay attention to their needs.”
Watson also acknowledged that the officers and crew she met during her stay had a consistent message.
“The people at Edwards were enthusiastic about what they do and for their love of country,” she said.
Watson enthusiastically talked about her experience in the injection seat of a T-38.
“We did Mach 1 as well as twists and turns in the mountains,” she said.
Her first experience with flight was at the age of 13 as part of a program at the South Middle School.
“I was excited about the Wright Flight experience but not dead set yet about a career,” she said, adding that she had a front row seat on a Piper Warrior and Cessna 172.
That early discovery with flying, as well as encouragement from her father, soon set the stage for this ambitious young woman’s goal – to be a pilot. She is the daughter of Patty and Ed Watson of Chestnut Street who met while serving in the Civil Air Patrol. Ed Watson is the CEO of Mobius Works, LLC in the city, and Patty Watson is a nurse practitioner. Watson also has two sisters, ages 16 and 21.
In addition to the Wright Flight program, Watson logged close to 15 hours with private flight instructor George Merriam during her years while at St. Mary’s High School.
Watson recently completed her first year as an Air Force ROTC Cadet at UMass, and relished her time learning military history, participating in team-building and leadership laboratory projects, as well as the physical training that is necessary to serve in the armed forces.
Watson is taking a bit of a break during the summer with one class at UMass and still working her part-time job at Leo’s Deli in the downtown area.
“My ultimate goal is to be a pilot and my mechanical engineering background would also assist me if I chose a test pilot position,” she said.
As Watson contemplates her future plans, she thinks about her “dream sheet” she will ultimately create with locations where she would like to serve.
“I can see myself in a single-seat fighter but also as a pilot on a cargo or bomber plane,” she said.
Watson also had some advice for young girls who excel in math and science.
“If you’re interested in any career in the STEM field, or in being a pilot, don’t be intimidated by any means,” she said. “These fields may be largely dominated by males, but that doesn’t mean that women can’t be successful in those types of jobs. If anything, you’re even more likely to be successful if you’re a woman because a lot of people know that women are underrepresented in these fields and are working to even things out a bit.”
Watson added that since it is “slightly less common” for women to enjoy math and science, it is “really noticeable” when women are interested in that line of work.
Rest assured, wherever the future takes Watson, the sky will be the limit for this intrepid adventurer.
