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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

ACC commander to pilot graduates ‘Your country needs you, the Air Force needs you’

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

The Air Force successfully graduated 22 professional military pilots Jan. 24, at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, where the mission is to train future pilots for the Air Force.

Gen. Mike Holmes, the commander of Air Combat Command, was the guest speaker at the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 20-06/07’s graduation ceremony. He spoke of the skills and code of ethics involved with being a military pilot.

“It is humbling to offer these new pilots advice,” Holmes said. “We face hard problems that don’t have simple answers, and that is why we are looking for Airmen who will stay with the problem until it is worked out.”

Holmes talked about the Air Force core values and how they implant trust into each Airman with the integrity to do what is right. He commented how “excellence in all we do” means that the words “good enough” no longer apply, because only the best is expected. Finally, “service before self” means not only accomplishing the fun parts of the job but also the hard parts.

Holmes said the reason he joined the Air Force was to do something different, not just for a paycheck, and because he had a strong desire to fly. After he earned his wings, he pursued opportunities in the Air Force and said he enjoyed the challenges he’s faced and overcome.

To stress the importance of the job and provide some perspective to how crucial pilots are to the Air Force, Col. Samantha Weeks, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, highlighted that the percentage of the U.S. population serving the military is about 1 percent, and the percentage of pilots is much less.

“Your country needs you, the Air Force needs you, and your teammates on the ground and at sea will need you for years to come,” Holmes said.

The last piece of advice given by Holmes was to be kind, for everyone is facing their own battle. He told the graduates to earn their teammates’ trust, and faithfully serve.

“Say yes instead of no, (and) be accountable for each other,” Holmes said. “Take care of each other and face the challenges the Air Force presents you with.”

Now graduated, each pilot will depart to their new respective bases to fly aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-17 Globemaster III, F-35 Lightning II, KC-135 Stratotanker, and more. Some of the graduates were also assigned to be First Assignment Instructor Pilots tasked with training future SUPT classes on Columbus AFB.

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.