Air Force conducts mass enlistment with rocket backdrop Published Feb. 16, 2010 By by Senior Airman David Dobrydney 45th Space Wing Public Affairs CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- Forty new recruits got their first glimpse of the Air Force Feb. 4 when they were sworn into the Delayed Entry Program here. 45th Space Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr. led the recruits from the 333rd Recruiting Squadron in the oath of enlistment in front of a Delta IV rocket being readied for launch. General Bolton welcomed the new recruits to the Air Force after he gave the oath of enlistment. This is the first time the 333 Recruiting Squadron held a DEP swear-in near one of the launch pads. General Bolton told the recruits he was a former enlisted Airman and was in the DEP more than 20 years ago. "That oath set me on the path that led me here, launching rockets for a living," he said. "You're going to have a tremendous opportunity, but what you make of that opportunity will only be as great as the effort you put into it." The 333rd RCS has an area of responsibility stretching from Ocala, Florida to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. "For many recruits, it's a whole new experience," said Master Sgt. Carmelo Vega, 333rd RCS. "It's a chance for us as recruiters to really showcase the Air Force before they go to training." "We would like to do this more often," Sergeant Vega said of the ceremony. "It's a great motivator." The recruits said they agreed. "It's a great honor to be enlisted by a brigadier general," said Joshua Whalen, one of the 333rd RCS recruits. Mr. Whalen said he leaves for basic military training in June and is slated to become a pararescueman. Jeremy Williamson, who plans to enter the Special Operations career field, said seeing the Delta IV up close "gives me something to look forward to. I'm ready to work hard and do my best for my country."