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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

Words of wisdom vocalized to Air Force’s newest aviators

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jake Jacobsen
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

A former graduate of Columbus Air Force Base pilot training spoke to the graduates of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class’s 19-23/24 on Sept. 13, in the Kaye Auditorium.

Retired Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Lofgren, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Capability Development, Headquarters Allied Command Transformation at Norfolk, Virginia, returned to congratulate and support the newest Air Force aviators with words of advice.

Lofgren expressed how honored and humble he felt to be a part of the ceremony and speak to the newest pilots of the world’s greatest Air Force. He was quick to mention how the sight of the graduates took him back to when he graduated pilot training here roughly 34 years ago.

The differences in pilot training now, opposed to the training in Lofgren’s days, have significantly changed. Lofgren highlighted that the newest capabilities we have now were not available to him when he went through pilot training.

“Having this new equipment such as simulators and virtual technology has significantly changed the way the Air Force does pilot training, and it is exciting to see these new aviators at the cutting edge of all the advancements made,” Lofgren said. “As we try to increase pilot production, there is great innovation going on to help further that need, and it is heartening to see how hard everyone is pushing to help accomplish the mission.”

Lofgren encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence. He said the mission is difficult and every single pilot on every platform is critical for success.

“What makes us the greatest Air Force in the world is that we don’t accept second best,” Lofgren said. “Striving for excellence in all we do makes a big difference not only in your personal career, but in the Air Force at large.”

The graduates also witnessed the completion of another chapter in Columbus AFB international training programs with the graduation of three pilots from Japan. Two international pilots will return to fly the F-15J Eagle, while another will fly the UH-60 Black Hawk.

The Japanese national anthem was played at the beginning of the graduation ceremony followed by the U.S. National Anthem, signifying our relationship toward future association in Air Power.

At the conclusion of his speech, Lofgren shared some encouraging words to Columbus Air Force Base stating that the base has an incredibly important mission.

“The Air Force requires the expertise that lies here and requires the entire team to generate pilots for the Air Force,” Lofgren said. “On the heels of 9/11 we should be remembering why we do what we do, and why we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

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.