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UPT Class 24-09 Graduation

  • Published
  • By TSgt Javier Cruz
  • 14th Flying Training Wing
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, MIss. --  

Fourteen Undergraduate Pilot Training 2.5 student pilots of Class 24-09, graduated on May 31, 2024, at the Kaye Auditorium on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. The UPT 2.5 graduation ceremony officially marks the completion of initial flight training in the T-6 Texan II as students earn their wings and begin the next phase of advanced pilot training for the Air Force’s newest pilots.  

Pilots advance to graduate training in one of two new programs: Air Mobility Fundamentals, or Fighter/Bomber Fundamentals. These new programs, like UPT 2.5, capitalize on and incorporate modern training tools and methods that provide a unique advantage through innovation. 

AMF currently leverages the “Mid-Tier Device,” a simulator that replicates the T-1A Jayhawk, to prepare graduates for mobility or tanker platforms. The Air Force’s first-ever F/BF class began at CAFB in June 2023. The new program both combines and streamlines legacy T-38 Graduate Pilot Training and T-38 Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals into a unified syllabus for graduates continuing to fighter or bomber platforms. 

The Class 24-09 graduation speaker was Col. Denny R. Davies, 19th Airlift Wing commander, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. Davies leads the “Home of Herk Nation.” He works in concert with the 314th Airlift Wing (Air Education and Training Command), 189th Airlift Wing (Air National Guard), 913th Airlift Group (Air Force Reserve Command), 29th Weapons Squadron (Air Combat Command), and 34th Combat Training Squadron in all aspects of C-130 training. Davies oversees organizing, training, and equipping the personnel who operate, maintain, and sustain 65 C-130 aircraft, ensuring support for combat, contingency, and humanitarian requirements worldwide. Additionally, he provides for the health and welfare of more than 10,000 personnel and family members at Little Rock AFB.  

Davies earned his commission through the United States Air Force Academy in 2001. He served in U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air Mobility Command, Headquarters Air Force, U.S. Indo- Pacific Command, and the Joint Staff. Colonel Davies instructed aircrew in two Major Weapons Systems in instrument navigation, formation airdrop, and tactical procedures. He is a command pilot, former squadron commander, and former vice wing commander, having deployed to the southwest Asia region six times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. 

Students are also recognized with additional accolades through academic and professional military achievement such as: Order of Daedalians AETC Commander’s Trophy, Distinguished Graduate Award, Academic Award, Military Training Award and Flying Training Award. 

CLASS 24-09 Graduates 

2nd Lt. Abdullah S. Bin Jarrash (International Training Award)  

Capt. Austin K. Black (Academic Excellence Award)  

1st Lt. Gregory A. Capelle 

2nd Lt. Alex R. Copenhaver 

Capt. Jacob C. DiGiorgio 

2nd Lt. Anna L. Donisi 

2nd Lt. Danielle C. Gines 

2nd Lt. Riley L. Luehman 

2nd Lt. Matthew P. Maus (Distinguished Graduate, Military Training Award) 

2nd Lt. Jacob T. McGuire 

2nd Lt. John M. Reardon 

2nd Lt. Gavin J. Traux 

2nd Lt. Michael J. Watson 

2nd Lt. Kodi J. Wells (AETC Commanders Trophy, Distinguished Graduate, Flying Training Award)