Powers was then assigned to the 468th Strategic Fighter Squadron at Turner Air Force Base, Georgia, as a Republic F-84 Thunderjet pilot. In October 1953, Powers was trained at Sandia Base in loading and dropping nuclear weapons from fighter aircraft, and in July 1954 was promoted to first lieutenant. Powers hoped to become a commercial airline pilot when his enlistment ended in December 1955, but decided to stay in the Air Force when he discovered he was, at the age of 26-and-a-half, at the age limit for commercial training.
Powers was then assigned to the 468th Strategic Fighter Squadron at Turner Air Force Base Georgia as a Republic F-84 Thunderjet pilot In October 1953 Powers was trained at Sandia Base in loading and dropping nuclear weapons from fighter aircraft and in July 1954 was promoted to first lieutenant Powers hoped to become a commercial airline pilot when his enlistment ended in December 1955 but decided to stay in the Air Force when he discovered he was at the age of 26-and-a-half at the age limit for commercial training