L.A. Air Force Base inspire kids at annual Compton Air and Space Fair

COMPTON, Calif. — Airmen and Guardians from Los Angeles Air Force Base brought their missions down to Earth and launched a few dreams into orbit during the annual Compton Air and Space Fair at the historic Compton/Woodley Airport, which drew an estimated crowd of more than 5,000 visitors.

Representing the forefront of space acquisition, Space Systems Command, a tenant unit of Los Angeles Air Force Base, established an outreach booth focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Military and civilian volunteers worked together to clear a runway for the next generation of innovators. Breaking down how defense initiatives rely on community talent with high-tech trajectories or specialized skill sets.

Arelyz Marin, an operations research analyst with Space Systems Command, was among those guiding young visitors and their parents as they navigated potential career horizons. A Los Angeles native whose father also served at SSC, Marin described her participation as a way to help local youth find their own vector.

“For me, it’s about telling the younger generation that they can do something,” Marin said. “I know when I was a little girl, sometimes seeing women and women of color in these spaces was not prevalent.”

Marin highlighted how the STEM team engaged attendees on the fundamentals of space, how satellites affect daily life and the importance of space acquisition.

“I’m really pleased to see the turnout, and all the kids have been coming to our tents,” Marin said, adding that she enjoyed letting students know they could become cost analysts in the future to support SSC programs and systems.

Also commanding heavy interest on-site was the 61st Security Forces Squadron from Space Base Delta 3. Base "Defenders" used the event to inform visitors of career opportunities as a Department of the Air Force police officer, emphasizing that applicants do not need previous law enforcement background to apply.

Officer Lidia Ramos, a Department of the Air Force police officer with the 61st Security Forces Squadron, shared her own journey of joining the force without prior law enforcement experience.

“I always wanted to be part of law enforcement … they saw something in me that at some point, I didn’t see in me,” Ramos said. “It’s a privilege and it’s an honor to say that we’re from Space Base Delta 3.”

The fair served as a flight plan for Los Angeles Air Force Base units, strengthening community ties while showing local students how far their aspirations can take off.

To learn more about Los Angeles Air Force Base missions, visit losangeles.spaceforce.mil. For civilian career opportunities across the installation, explore pathways at https://www.afciviliancareers.com/.

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