19th Air Force commander observers combat systems officer training at 479th Flying Training Group

Published April 2, 2025
By Capt. Laura Kane
479th Flying Training Group

NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Florida --

Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 19th Air Force commander, visited the 479th Flying Training Group (FTG) from March 24-26, as part of a regional tour aimed at strengthening collaboration and ensuring the efficient and effective training of Combat Systems Officers (CSOs) for the U.S. Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joshua Lancaster (center), 451st Flying Training Squadron commander, speaks to Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 19th Air Force Commander, prior to a T-1A Jayhawk flight to the Military Operating Area (MOA) where the crew will give hands on instruction as they do with Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT) students, March 26, 2025, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

During the visit, Kreuder was briefed on the unique mission and capabilities of the 479 FTG. Discussions addressed critical components of Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT), including Instructor CSO (ICSO) gate month alignment, UCT-Next competency mapping and syllabus development, Civilian Simulator Instructor (CSI) manning, and overall resource allocation. These efforts align with 19th AF’s broader mission to ensure CSO training pipelines are modern, resilient, and tailored to meet the needs of a future fight.

Kreuder experienced firsthand the CSO-specific modifications to the T-1A Jayhawk aircraft, where he observed student training roles in both the front ("S1" for students and "I1" for instructors) and back ("S2" and "I2") seats. Next he had the opportunity to operate the sensor in the back seat, gaining insight into how CSOs develop tactical coordination skills and airmanship. These seat-specific roles rotate based on each student's projected follow-on aircraft and mission requirements.

As part of the visit, Kreuder toured the simulator facilities to evaluate the use of ground-based training systems such as the T-96 (T-1 simulator), T-25 (classified part task trainer focused on Electronic Warfare training), and the Multi-Crew Synthetic Trainer System (MCSTS). The T-96 replicates the S1/I1 mission set, while the MCSTS simulates a CSO sensor console, enabling realistic and deliberate mission training. The T-25, supported by 19th AF’s sole intel shop, provides CSO students training in a realistic threat environment to better understand the high-end fight. As immersive and virtual training continues to play a key role in flight instruction, these simulators provide cost-effective, high-repetition, and high-fidelity environments to help develop core skills, supporting the mission of 19th AF’s Flying Training Center of Excellence (FTCOE).

Maj. Ryan Johnson and Capt. Brett Baker demonstrated the MCSTS, highlighting how next-generation technology, inspired by Pilot Training Next (PTN) principles, is being integrated into the UCT syllabus. These innovations, including virtual- and mixed-reality solutions, aim to increase student capacity and retention while addressing airspace limitations and operational security concerns.

Kreuder also took time to recognize outstanding personnel during his visit. He acknowledged Master Sgt. Tevin King for his contributions as the group’s personnelist, and Capt. Scott Wortman for his leadership and mentorship as a flight commander. Both emphasized their commitment to empowering Airmen and future leaders.

In a message that resonated deeply with the formation, Kreuder spoke on the importance of "controlling the controllable." He reminded members of the 479 FTG that regardless of external factors, individuals retain power over four key areas: attitude, preparation, effort, and how they treat others.

Kreuder’s visit underscored the 19th Air Force’s commitment to advancing CSO training through student-centered learning, quality instruction, immersive technology, and human performance optimization. With these continued efforts, the 479 FTG remains at the forefront of developing agile and capable warfighters for tomorrow’s battlespace.

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From left to right, U.S. Air Force Lt.Col. Jonathan Hamilton, 451st Flying Training Squadron (FTS) director of operations, Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 19th Air Force commander, Capt. Brett Baker, 451st FTS XXX, Maj. Elizabeth Eastman, 19th Air Force aide-de-camp, get ready to take the T-1A Jayhawk out to a Military Operating Area (MOA) where the crew will give hands on instruction as they do with Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT) students March 26th, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

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U.S. Air Force Maj. Elizabeth Eastman (right), 19th Air Force aide-de-camp, and Capt. Nathan Hallam (left), 479th Flying Training Group executive officer, tests out the Combat Systems Officer Console in the back of a modified T-1A Jayhawk specifically modified for Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT) instruction March 25th, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 19th Air Force commander, tests out the Combat Systems Officer Console in the back of a modified T-1A Jayhawk specifically modified for Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT) instruction March 25th, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder (right), 19th Air Force commander, and Capt. Aaron Alexander (left), 451 Flying Training Squadron instructor, discuss what Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT) students do in their role when in the Co-Pilot seat of the T-1A Jayhawk March 25th, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder (left), 19th Air Force Commander, recognizes Captain Scott Wortman (right), 479 Student Squadron Flight Commander, for his contribution to the 479th Flying Training Groups mission of developing Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT) students into not only tactical aviators, but leaders the Air Force needs, March 25th, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 19th Air Force commander, gets instruction on the Multi-Crew Synthetic Training System (MCSTS) that bring the CSO console in the divesting T-1A Jayhawk onto the ground for an innovative way to continue training, March 25th, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 19th Air Force commander, receives a safety brief on a T-1A Jayhawk in preparation for his upcoming T-1A Jayhawk flight with the 479 Flying Training Group March 25th, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

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