When Captain Billy Edenfield, an Air Force Civil Engineer Officer, was partnered with Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) this summer for his Education With Industry (EWI) Fellowship, roller coasters were what he had in mind when hearing about rides within the park. However, his perception shifted during the buildup to Hurricane Milton, where he volunteered to ride out the storm as part of UOR's Hurricane Response team.

Bedding down alongside 60 UOR Technical Services Team Members, Captain Edenfield coordinated the assessments and mitigations of initial storm damage across the approximately 735-acre property. Using his experiences as a Civil Engineer Officer during emergency response operations, he assisted in establishing and operating the Technical Services Operations Center (TSOC), which served as the hub for UOR’s Technical Services Division. This event was the first test of the TSOC construct since the need for consolidated operations was identified during 2022’s Hurricane Ian response.

The TSOC monitors the statuses of critical facilities and infrastructure systems while synchronizing recovery efforts conducted by Facilities & Utilities, Horticulture, and Ride & Show professionals. Hurricane Milton recovery efforts proved the TSOC's effectiveness to communicate, prioritize, and coordinate infrastructure repairs across the UOR Campus. The team's efforts allowed for a safe recall of the recovery operations Team Members within four hours after initial release and enabled the park to resume guest operations within 24 hours of the storm’s passing.

The knowledge gained from this experience not only improved hurricane response operations at the Universal Orlando Resort but will also benefit Captain Edenfield's future work in the Air Force as a Civil Engineer Officer upon completion of his EWI fellowship.

The Education with Industry program enhances the leadership and professional skills of Department of the Air Force Fellows by immersing them in the operations of diverse industry partners. This unique exposure enables Fellows to gain invaluable perspectives that deepen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the Air Force and Space Force. By fostering collaboration and learning from industry best practices, the program empowers these leaders to identify innovative solutions that can be implemented in military settings. As they return to their traditional assignments, these insights not only enrich their own professional development but also contribute to the broader mission of enhancing operational effectiveness within the Air Force. For any specific questions on the EWI Program, please reach out to the Program Team at afit.cig.ewi@us.af.mil.