50 Summits Challenge: Academy grad conquers California's highest peak

  • Published
  • By Amber Baillie
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Snow, ice and freezing temperatures didn't hinder four service members and a '02 grad from summiting the highest mountain in the contiguous United States.

Maj. Chris Hubbard, a soon-to-be air officer commanding, reached the top of Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet Nov. 8, sporting a U.S. Flag and the Air Force flag to represent camaraderie.

The team's cold, two-day climb was part of the U.S. Air Force 50 Summits Challenge to motivate Airmen to climb the highest summit in each of the 50 states.

"I like climbing with the 50 summits team because of the teamwork, challenge and love of nature," Hubbard said. "The challenge exposes civilians, active duty service members, and wounded warriors and veterans, to the outdoors. In the Air Force, whether assigned to a flying team or cadet squadron, it's essential we work together."

So far, Airmen have conquered 11 states for the challenge, including the District of Columbia, and have 39 to go. Airmen from the Academy and Schriever Air Force Base climbed Colorado's tallest peak, Mount Elbert, Sept. 20.

"We're looking for more Airmen volunteers to organize trips in the remaining states," said Maj. Rob Marshall, a CV-22 Osprey pilot and creator of the challenge. "Our goal is to finish all 50 by next year."

Marshall said one Airman plans to lead the team up Texas's high point, Guadalupe Peak, in January.

"There are plenty of state high points easy and safe to hike in the winter," he said. "I think Texas will be our next trip, but there is some discussion going on for Alabama and Florida."

Mount Whitney is a long, high-altitude hike. During the climb, the team endured snow, wind and frigid temperatures.

"I'm really proud of the team because they put together a safe and successful plan in minimum time," Marshall said. "Hiking Mount Whitney normally requires a difficult permit to obtain, but the team's decision to hike during the winter avoided the need for that permit. If they didn't offer to hike it in the winter, we may not have been able to get Airmen up it during the summer."

You don't have to be a superstar athlete to climb mountains, Hubbard said.

"It's a gradual progression, just like with anything else you learn," he said. "Colorado is great training ground for tall peaks. For me, having hiked around the state, including a few 14ers, the altitude on Mount Whitney didn't really bother me."

What did bother Hubbard on the mountain was the climate.

"At night it was at least 30 below zero," he said. "Each climber had their own strengths and weaknesses. I know my limitations with cold, so I was very careful and brought extra gear and layers."

Hiking mountains can teach climbers important life lessons, Marshall said.

"From self-confidence and physical health, to spiritual growth and risk management, outdoor adventures teach many of the critical skills necessary for military members and civilians," he said. "We hope the success of the U.S. Air Force 7 Summits (a challenge to climb the highest peaks on every continent) and 50 Summits Challenges, highlights this and we can grow into a more comprehensive military adventure sports program."

The Mount Whitney team:

Maj. Chris Hubbard, U.S. Air Force Academy
Maj. Graydon Muller, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif.
Maj. Tavis McDevitt, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif.
Dawn Golding, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Calif.
Staff Sgt. Ed Drew, Moffett Federal Airfield