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Bonds of the Aviator

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Javier Cruz
  • 14th Flying Training Wing

Twenty-two Undergraduate Pilot Training student pilots of Class 24-15, graduated on October 11, 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.  

The Class 24-15 graduation speaker was Col. Nicholas S. Lofthouse, 14th Operations Group commander. 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. Lofthouse graduated from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training 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. 

As a graduate from SUPT Class 04-15, Lofthouse hosted a reunion to bring his class back together after 20 years to pass on their experience and mentorship to UPT Class 24-15. 

“This is really marking a milestone, putting on pilot wings will forever change your life and signals the start of your career,” said Lofthouse.  

Lofthouse shared photos of his graduating class as they progressed through their careers and lives to illustrate the point of strong lasting bonds created through service. 

He further illustrated the need for flexibility of pilots to adapt to the changing environments of future conflicts and shared three lessons from his career. 

“Listen first and talk straight, give grace and demonstrate respect, deliver results and get better,” he said. 

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. 

SUPT Class 04-15 toured the new training facilities and experienced virtual reality flight simulators that new student pilots use today. 

“Pilot training has evolved with the times as it should, when I went through 20 years ago, we didn’t even have smart phones, but the expectations haven’t changed,” said Retired Lt. Col. Andy Allen, SUPT Class 04-15 graduate. “We’re expecting high performance and leadership from these young aviators.” 

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. 

Allen described the lasting impact of service and comradery he experienced. 

“It’s about the relationships and the people you will serve with, you don’t realize how you share values with the people you serve with, and they will become like family to you,” said Allen. “They will be the part that you never forget even after you retire.” 

SUPT Class 04-15 joined UPT Class 24-15 to congratulate them for their accomplishments and pass the torch as the next generation stepped forward to claim their awards. 

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 24-15 Graduates 

Capt. Bethany Kenser 

Capt. Han Zhang – Order of the Daedalians AETC Commander’s Trophy, Distinguished Graduate Award, Flying Training Award, Academic Excellence Award 

1st Lt. Sarah Bamburg 

1st Lt. Emily Bardak 

1st Lt. Loic Bignan 

1st Lt. Nathan Davis 

1st Lt. Brian Engelke 

1st Lt. Scott Kinross 

1st Lt. Serena Lamontagne – Military Training Award 

1st Lt. Allison Lane 

1st Lt. Kolson Mendelsohn 

1st Lt. Kenneth Pritchard 

1st Lt. Jordan San Agustin 

1st Lt. Brady Smith 

1st Lt. Oliver Smith 

1st Lt. Andrew Verdin 

2nd Lt. Josiah Cole 

2nd Lt. Cesar Ibarra 

2nd Lt. Jetta Kroll 

2nd Lt. Connor O’Leary - Distinguished Graduate Award 

2nd Lt. Colton Stanislawski 

2nd Lt. William Sturge – Air Force Association Award