B-2 pilot's dream comes full circle 17 years later

by Retired Lt. Col. Frank Cavouti
29th Training Systems Squadron

7/18/2013 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- On a sunny Florida day at MacDill Air Force Base in October 1996, a young man saw a B-2 Spiriti stealth bomber in flight for the first time.

Jasen Hunter, who had just graduated from high school, witnessed the naming ceremony fly-by for the Air Force's newest B-2, the Spirit of Florida. Something caught his spirit, and the rest is history.

Two weeks later, Hunter enlisted in the Air Force for two years before being accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy Prepatory School. After receiving his commission, he spent three tours as an instructor pilot and a KC-10 Extender pilot.

Throughout his tours flying trainers and tankers, Hunter never gave up his dream to someday be involved with the B-2.

Last year, Hunter applied for and was interviewed in the highly competitive selection process to become a future B-2 pilot. During his interview with the previous 509th Bomb Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, they were both surprised to find a common point: Vander Hamm was the pilot who flew the Spirit of Florida during the naming ceremony that sparked Hunter's life-long dream.

Once the selection process was complete, Hunter was chosen to train as one of four new pilots in the 69th B-2 initial qualification training class.

On July 10, now-Major Hunter took the final step with his wife, Angela, and two daughters, Savannah and Charlotte, of a journey that began in 1996. On this day, he became the community's newest B-2 pilot with assistance from his instructor pilot, Maj. Ben Kaminsky.

In a tribute to the inspiration that first set Hunter on the path to Whiteman, Team Stealth was able to work the schedule so Hunter flew his first B-2 ride ever in the exact same aircraft he initially saw fly during the ceremony on that day in 1996 -- the Spirit of Florida.

In his own confident but unassuming manner, Hunter said, "I am not quite sure how this become a reality, but I do know for sure that many, many good people helped me get here and made it happen ... thanks."