Humphreys West Elementary first graders reach for the skies in STEM field trip
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — The sky was the limit for 168 first-grade students from Humphreys West Elementary School as they traded their traditional classrooms for the bustling flight line during an immersive STEM field trip on April 15 - 16, 2026.
The two-day event, hosted by the 607th Combat Weather Squadron and the 3rd Battalion, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion (3-2 GSAB), offered students a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the connections between meteorology and aviation.
The first grade STEM enthusiasts began their journey with the 607th Combat Weather Squadron. This specialized unit is responsible for providing critical weather intelligence for the Army's ground operations and aviation missions across the peninsula. LT Paretti provided a firsthand briefing on the complexities of meteorology, and how the airmen monitor the unique weather patterns of the Korean Peninsula to ensure the safety of both ground and air forces.
The adventure shifted to the Army Airfield hangars, where students came face-to-face with the massive machinery of the 3-2 GSAB. The first graders explored the heavy-lift capabilities of the CH-47 Chinook dual-rotor and the versatile UH-60 Black Hawk utility aircraft, often used for critical medical evacuations and air assaults.
The excitement among the students was visible at the airfield.
"This is the best day ever because I finally got to touch a real helicopter,” said one first grader.
For some students, the trip was extra special.
"My dad flies the Black Hawk and I got to see his helicopter and where he works. It makes me feel really proud of him,” said another student.
By transforming the flight line into a classroom, the visit provided first graders with a hands-on introduction to aviation science and weather, connecting classroom lessons to real-world applications.
"I’m just happy to work with our Army counterparts in helping bring the kids to places on base where they normally would never go," said SSgt Michael O. Denning, a Staff Weather Flight specialist with the USAF. "I wanted to help provide an experience that took these kids beyond the classroom and onto the flight line. Whether learning about weather or sitting in a cockpit, they got to see the local mission firsthand. For some, it was a chance to see where their parents work; for all the kids, I hoped it helped them feel truly connected to their military community."
This outreach is part of a broader commitment by USAG Humphreys to support local DoWEA schools and inspire the next generation of scientists, pilots, and meteorologists. Humphreys West Elementary School extended their sincere gratitude to the Airmen and Soldiers of the 607th and 3-2 GSAB for their hospitality and for providing a truly unforgettable "hands-on" lesson in aviation science.
