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Alley Cats Sharpen Their Claws

  • Published
  • By SrA Jessica Blocher
  • 14 FTW PA
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE MISS. --  

The 48th Flying Training Squadron “Alley Cats” achieve an average of 254 pilot graduates produced annually, so it is no surprise that they are excelling in leading the way for pilot training and innovations in the classroom.  

On July 25, 2024, the 48th FTS executed a squadron deployment to the Alpena Combat Ready Training Center in Michigan, as an example of how the squadron maximizes training opportunities. 

“The Air Force requires us to be mission ready, so annually we try to accomplish 25% of the squadron’s semi-annual instructor development sortie requirement in one weekend,” said Lt. Col. Eddie Altizer 48th FTS commander. “We actually accomplished more than that and could have accomplished an even greater amount if the weather would have cooperated.” 

The unit focused on preparing First Assignment Instructor Pilots for their follow-on assignments with different aircraft to perform annual ground training, and to develop squadron camaraderie. 

“Accomplishing this much of the instructor pilot’s requirements in one weekend frees them up to balance the multi-syllabi that we are running here in T-1 world,” said Altizer. “This optimization training is different than others because we consider each individual’s flying history and experiences and integrate those different mission weapons system aspects to help other IPs.” 

The Alley Cats focused on integrating each aspect into real world scenarios and showcased to FAIP’s the importance of their training. The weather prevented full execution; however, the weather back up plan demonstrated how mission success requires working as an integrated force. 

“It was a lot of flying and a lot of difficult maneuvers but it’s also fun and a great experience.” said Capt. Andrew Martin 48th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot. “This was my second Alpena squadron deployment, and I hope to be a part of many more.” 

The pilots were able to sharpen their skills with a points-based flying competition for maneuvers within each sortie.  This culminated in a landing competition at Alpena. While at Alpena, the 48 FTS also received a thorough safety and crew resource management brief. 

“I will lobby hard to keep this training alive and going as there are so many benefits from it.” Said Altizer “I encourage other squadrons to do the same, get out of their comfort zone and prioritize the time to train their people.”