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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

Whisler Brothers Take Flight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Caleb Worpel
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Airmen in the Air Force often times have family members who serve alongside them, but seldom does a brotherhood directly contribute to the same mission. For the Whisler brothers, they were reunited and had the opportunity to fly and train together April 24, 2017, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

Lt. Col. Mark Whisler, 21st Fighter Squadron director of operations, currently stationed at Luke AFB and his older brother, Lt. Col. Steve Whisler, Air Education and Training Command evaluator pilot, took to the skies Monday in F-16 Fighting Falcons simulating a two ship air-to-air fight.

“Anytime I get to fly is awesome,” Mark said. “To be able to share the comradery and brotherhood with my actual sibling, makes the experience even better.”

The Whisler brothers grew up in Montana and commissioned through Montana State University. Steve, who is almost three years older than Mark, set a path for his younger brother to follow throughout his Air Force career. Every base which Steve has been assigned, Mark has immediately followed upon his departure.

“From being chosen to fly the F-16 and every operational assignment after, Mark has been following in my footsteps since the beginning,” Steve said. “It is always refreshing to compare our experiences and what we have both accomplished at the places we have been stationed.”

Although they have been flying F-16’s for almost 20 years combined, the opportunity presented to them at Luke was their first time to fly together.

“Both of us have gone through Luke to learn how to fly the F-16, and both of us have gone off to be combat pilots at locations around the globe,” Mark said. “To be back here flying F-16s in the same location with one another is awesome. This is a picture of the product of training coming full circle at Luke. I am honored to be a part of the mission at Luke.”

Prior to his current assignment, Steve was stationed at Luke ensuing various positions during the arrival of the F-35 Lightning II. During his current visit back, Steve was able to lodge and relax with his younger brother and his family.

“It is awesome to have my brother stay at my house and visit with my wife and kid while he is here on duty,” Mark said.

Despite the distance between them, the Whisler brothers continue looking for opportunities to cross paths.

“Having been stationed on opposite sides of the world for deployments and assignments, our interaction is limited and you can feel the absence sometimes,” Steve said. “The thing about the Air Force is that everyone is like your family member. That helps fill the gap.”

Although the current future for the brothers is unknown, they will continue to follow in each other’s footsteps and share their experiences of brotherhood along the way.

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.