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12th Flying Training Wing

The 12th Flying Training Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, develops the next generation of Air Force aviators and enlisted aircrew by providing world-class flying training and education. The wing trains Airmen in the fundamentals of airmanship, instruction and leadership, preparing them for success in operational units across the Air Force. Through undergraduate Combat Systems Officer training, Pilot Instructor Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot indoctrination, enlisted aviator training, and other specialized programs, the 12th FTW produces skilled, adaptable, and combat-ready professionals capable of meeting the demands of today's complex operating environment while strengthening the future of American airpower.

 

 

12FTW Units

aircraft mechanic, performs maintenance 12th Maintenance Group
12th Maintenance Group
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Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
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An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
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Articles

F-35 maintenance battle tested

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Peter Thompson
  • 33d Fighter Wing
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Florida --  The 33d Fighter Wing completed its second Checkered Flag exercise with the F-35A December 16, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.

During the exercise, which facilitates integration between fifth and fourth-generation aircraft communities, F-35As from the 33 FW successfully executed all 48 of their scheduled sorties launching jets from both Tyndall and Eglin in split operations.

For the Air Force’s five F-35 bases, exercises like Checkered Flag are critical to hone the tactics techniques and procedures (TTP’s) for the aircraft’s inevitable deployment fighting alongside other combat assets.

Maintenance is critical to get jets off the ground in support of combat readiness deployments. While the exercise is prime opportunity to learn about how we fly the aircraft, it presents the same learning opportunities for preventative and restorative maintenance.

“As with any aircraft, maintenance on the F-35A is critical to sortie production,” said Capt. John Marburger, 33d Maintenance Group “Not only is split-second reactive maintenance imperative, but the 33d Maintenance Group put in significant effort (to) preventative maintenance in the weeks leading up to this exercise.”

Executing split operations put heavy strain on maintenance personnel because it required the organization to transition from its normal three shift operations to twelve-hour shifts. Leadership ensured Airmen were prepared through implementation of training and planning leading up to the exercise.

“We were 100 percent confident going into Checkered Flag, knowing that our people were capable of handling whatever tasks would come their way,” said 1st Lt. Krista Wooden, 33d Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant officer in charge. “These guys are the backbone of the flightline and these aircraft. They are the ones who are doing the hard work to get jets into the air.”

Operating out of a foreign location added a new layer of complexity for seasoned maintainers and provided useful exposure for the participants as the F-35A makes strides towards becoming fully mission capable.

“Some of our (Airmen) have never been away from Eglin, so it provides an invaluable (combat-like) experience that they will use later in their career,” Marburger said. “Operating in an unfamiliar and congested environment, processing data away from our main server and establishing real-time reach back with home station ensuring efficient split-operations was a challenge.”

Public Affairs Information

Tours of the 12th Flying Training Wing are provided to various community organizations, high schools, businesses, and academic military recruitment programs to educate their members about the 12th FTW mission.

Due to the high volume of requests and limited public affairs resources, tours and static displays are limited.

Please submit all requests in writing to the 12th FTW Public Affairs by email to 12ftw.pa.1@us.af.mil at least three weeks but no more than six weeks in advance. You may also call 210-652-1272.

Tours are not available on weekends and may be cancelled at any time because of increased security measures or mission requirements. The 12th FTW does not host tours of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph at-large. To schedule a tour of JBSA-Randolph, please contact JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs at 502abw.pa.official@us.af.mil or dial 210-652-4410.

If desired, requestors must arrange all meals. PA will provide contact information to base eateries. Modified tours will be granted for those with limited mobility - this must be stated on the tour request. If not stated, it is assumed that mobility is not an issue.