Former AMC vice commander congratulates SUPT Class 21-06 Published March 1, 2021 By Airman 1st Class Jessica Haynie 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – Eighteen U.S. Air Force student pilots graduated from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT), Feb. 26, 2021, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. Graduates heard from retired U.S Air Force Lt. Gen. Vern Findley II, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., vice commander from 2008-2011. After a challenging and rigorous 52-week course, these pilots have earned the title of Air Force pilot and will move onward to their next assignments and learn their respective aircraft. SUPT training entails six-weeks of preflight academics, physiological training and operating trainer aircraft, such as the T-6A Texan II, T-1A Jayhawk and T-38C Talon. During his speech, Findley spoke about how proud he was of the new pilots who sat before him, earning their first set of wings. “You are part of the elite, part of the one percent of men and women that chose to serve in our armed forces,” said Findley. Of the one percent of those who choose to serve, approximately 12,500 are U.S. Air Force pilots, something the graduates should be especially proud of. As a closing thought, Findley took the pilots back to their childhood, by reading an excerpt from a Dr. Seuss classic. The nostalgic literature, ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go’, reminded the aviators they will travel far and wide and accomplish great things in their careers.