SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (ACCNS) -- Off he goes into the wild blue yonder, climbing high into the sun. Down he dives...
Into a saltwater tank in Charleston?
Capt. Steven Buryanek, 20th Fighter Wing pilot and certified advanced open-water scuba diver, exchanges his wings for flippers 2 to 3 times a month at one of South Carolinas aquariums.
The captain arrives at the aquarium around 7:30 a.m., just in time to start preparing food for the sharks, eels, sea turtle and 35 different species of fish that call the Great Ocean Tank home.
After food prep, Captain Buryanek suits up for his first dive of the day. On this swim, he cleans and checks tank conditions.
During his day at the aquarium, teaches audience members about the relationship between land and marine animals, feeds the animals, and quizzes the audience about ocean life.
Lt. Col. Nathan Hill, 20th FW inspections chief, recently attended a show.
"Using an underwater microphone, [Captain Buryanek] was able to have excellent interaction with the crowd, he said. There must have been hundreds of different fish, turtles and sharks in there. He knew about all of them; what they ate, what their habits were and where they are found in the world."
Captain Buryanek started scuba diving after he joined the Air Force and says hes always enjoyed it. Volunteering at the aquarium gives him the added bonus of meeting other people who enjoy the hobby. To volunteer, advanced open-water certification is required as well as a commitment to help at the aquarium two times a month, for a year.
Captain Buryanek has been volunteering for about six months.
Its fulfilling, he said, especially when you see the kids expressions at the show. Theyre awestruck. What we do teaches them respect for nature and the environment.
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)