Welcome to the early 1950s. It was a time when hundreds of young men who aspired to become jet pilots were accepted into the U.S. Air Force Aviation Cadet program.

The Korean War was still raging, and most of these potential aviators had received their "greetings" from Uncle Sam, giving them a choice between being drafted into the Army or joining a different branch of service. 

Not wanting to fulfill their required service time sitting in a muddy ditch and carrying a rifle, many enlisted in the Air Force with the hope of one day sitting in the cockpit of the swept-wing F-86 Sabre, the hottest fighter jet around at the time. My father, Robert F. Escalle, was one of these young men.

By clicking on the different bases where he trained, you will see some photos beginning from his days as an airman during basic training, through his twelve months as an Aviation Cadet, to advanced gunnery training. Also, you will see a few photos from one base where he flew the F-86 Sabre.

These photos will, for some of you, recall a time that will always be remembered, especially for those who went through the Aviation Cadet program like my father. For others, they will show a part of U.S. Air Force history that will never be repeated.