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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

Columbus AFB weather flight ready for when severe weather strikes

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

The 14th Operations Support Squadron’s Weather Flight is Columbus Air Force Base’s first line of defense against continuously changing weather and supports the mission by providing accurate forecasts, generating timely warnings and continuously looks out for severe weather threatening the base.

Base residents are advised to know that the Watches, Warnings and Advisories (WWAs) that the National Weather Service issues are different than the alerts by the weather flight. The difference is the National Weather Service issues WWAs for the whole county while the weather flight issues for just the base.

While the weather flight does work with other agencies to gather information, it remains the official WWA issuing entity for Columbus AFB. When it comes to severe weather announcements Columbus AFB personnel are asked to pay attention to the base’s alerts and sirens.

Columbus AFB’s Weather Flight categorizes severe weather by winds equal or greater than 50 knots (unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour), three-quarter inch hail or larger, or evidence of wind shear causing a rotation of cells in the atmosphere favoring tornado conditions.

“Resource protection is a big part of our job whether it’s the mission or the populace of the base and that is why we stress accuracy,” said Jeremiah Story, 14th OSS Weather Flight lead meteorological technician. “There is no reason to create panic on base if we won’t be affected, so even if there is a tornado warning in surrounding areas we won’t sound the alert unless we know it is going to affect us.”

In the case of a tornado Columbus AFB’s Weather flight will issue a warning if the funnel is expected to impact the base or anywhere in a five mile radius around Columbus AFB. While the warning is being issued, command post along with the Wing Headquarters will be notified and the base sirens will be activated.

“It’s a challenging job with a lot of responsibility that we take seriously,” said Story. “Once severe weather is identified and we know the course it will take, a severe weather action team will be in place to issue alerts, notify key personnel and update the base as needed.”

When weather conditions that threaten life or property are occurring or expected to occur, a notice will be sent out and residents should take appropriate action immediately.

Weather Flight personnel are either on-duty or on-call at all hours to ensure that the base is alerted when severe weather is likely to occur.

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.