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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

AETC celebrates with 75th Anniversary Extravaganza

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lauren Parsons
  • 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --  


Members of Air Education and Training Command celebrated AETC's heritage Jan. 23 with a 75th Anniversary Extravaganza at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

AETC was founded as the U.S. Air Corps Flying Training Command Jan. 23, 1942, prior to the birth of the Air Force. Since then, the first command has taken America’s sons and daughters and forged them into professional Airmen.

“The legacy of AETC is a proud one, a story of men and women of genius and of innovation,” said Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, AETC commander.

“We are the first command and the foundation of airpower for America,” Roberson said. “Airpower truly does start right here.”

Delaine Mathieu, News 4 San Antonio co-anchor and master of ceremonies, gave opening remarks to kick off the extravaganza.

“Today, AETC continues to build on its incredible heritage and on the sacrifices of early aviation pioneers, like the Airmen who flew balloons and gliders, the seat-of-the-pants pilots who learned to fly before there was an AETC, the innovators who championed new processes like blind pilot flying before there were navigation instruments and aerial refueling, and the leaders who helped develop and implement airpower doctrine,” Mathieu said.

Retired Gen. Hal Hornburg, AETC commander from June 2000 to November 2001; retired Gen. Donald Cook, AETC commander from December 2001 to August 2005; retired Gen. Edward Rice Jr., AETC commander from November 2010 to December 2013; and Chief Master Sgt. David Staton, AETC command chief, were also in attendance and gave speeches during the ceremony.

“The very foundation of a professional force is training, and education is required to make the training relevant, to give it purpose, to give it structure, to give it vision,” said Rice Jr. “Those two things that this command does, training and education, are the very foundation of every great professional military force that has ever existed and will exist. What you do is timeless and will continue to endure.”

Also in attendance was honored guest Lt. Col. Dick Cole, World War II veteran and last surviving Doolittle Raider.

The event included performances from Air Force Band of the West, the Randolph High School Band and Choir, the John Jay High School Drill Team.

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.