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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

Spikes Honor Squadron Mate Finally Laid to Rest

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jensen Stidham
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  


Carlson, then 24 years-old, was killed after his P-47 Thunderbolt was shot down by enemy aircraft near Bonn, Germany during World War II on Dec. 23, 1944. More than 70 years later his remains were identified and brought home.

During the funeral the 62nd FS stood in formation while the Pennsylvania Army National Guard performed Military Funeral Honors. Carlson’s family was given all of the medals Carlson was awarded along with a folded American flag. The 62nd FS performed a missing man formation fly-over with four F-35A Lightning IIs led by Capt. Kyle Babbitt, 62nd FS pilot.

“I feel very honored to be able to do this for him,” said Babbitt. “If it had been me on the other side, I would really appreciate this for my family. It’s definitely an honor to take on this responsibility.”

The 62nd FS Airmen would not have been able to travel the more than 2,000 miles to make the fly-over happen had it not been for an early morning social media browse by Lt. Col. Peter Lee, 62nd FS commander.

“I was killing some time and looked at my Facebook feed and I saw my [squadron] patch,” said Lee. “I was like ‘oh, it must be one of my co-workers.’ I clicked on the link and that’s how I found out. It started with something as simple as a Facebook post … and next thing you know we’re flying four airplanes over and talking with the family.”

Lee decided he would take as many of his Airmen that would fit on a KC-135 Stratotanker flown by the Arizona National Guard.

“We value people, ideas and then things,” said Lee. “I want to invest in them by letting them go to the physical place, to see with their own eyes the lengths that we will go to in order to support the families of our fallen.”

The 62nd FS commander, who spoke during the ceremony, said he believes that everyone dies twice, once when the heart stops beating and once the last time someone says a person’s name.

“It’s important to keep Lt. Carlson’s legacy alive and say his name,” said Lee. “And to be there for his family to show them that this is how the Air Force takes care of their own.”

Several of Carlson’s family members expressed their gratitude to the 62nd FS Airmen for spending the time and resources to attend the funeral.

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.