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UPT Class 24-12 Graduation

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Javier Cruz
  • 14th Flying Training Wing
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

Twenty-one Undergraduate Pilot Training student pilots of Class 24-12, graduated on August 2, 2024, at the Columbus Event Center on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. The UPT 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, 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 24-12 graduation speaker was Col. Nicholas S. Lofthouse, 14th Operations Group commander. Col. Lofthouse entered the Air Force in 2003 through the United States Air Force Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Military History from the Air Force Academy, a Master of Science in Quantitative Finance from the University of London, a Master of Arts in Military Operational Art and Science from Air Command and Staff College at Air University, and most recently a Master of Science in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School at National Defense University. Col. Lofthouse graduated from SUPT at CAFB in 2004 and is a command pilot with over 1,200 flying hours in the T-38C, F15A/B/C/D and F-22A. His flying duties include qualifications as an instructor pilot, flight evaluator, and mission commander. 

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 24-12 Graduates 

2nd Lt. Kevyn M. Banda 

1st Lt. Mikaela C. Becker 

1st Lt. Giuliano J. Daniel 

2nd Lt. Brockinton V. Gibson 

Capt. Cristopher C. Gossett 

2nd Lt. Michael W. Griffeth 

2nd Lt. Blake A. Harbison- Air Education and Training Command Commander’s Trophy, Distinguished Graduate 

2nd Lt. Mark A. Hasl 

2nd Lt. Carson M. Heck 

1st Lt. Yohei Konno - International Training Award 

2nd Lt. Scott I. LeGwen 

1st Lt. Dion Liong - International Training Award 

1st Lt. Garrett C. Mackay 

1st Lt. Dillon M. Massey- Military Training Award 

2nd Lt. Ryan D. Matzke 

2nd Lt. David R. Muscalus- Academic Award 

Capt. Ariana G. Savino 

2nd Lt. Braden R. Sherwood- Distinguished Graduate 

Capt. Ciprian N. Tanase - International Training Award 

Capt. Joshua B. Turner 

2nd Lt. Micah R. Whitmire