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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

SUPT Class 21-01 graduates, enters next chapter in aviation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jake Jacobsen
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FROCE BASE, Miss. --  

Nineteen student officers from the class of 21-01 have successfully graduated from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Oct. 23, on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, moving on to the next stage in their careers.

Attending the ceremony was guest speaker Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, who congratulated the newly graduated pilots for earning their wings.

“Our Chief of Staff of the Air Force has challenged leaders to accelerate change so we need the folks that are coming in to be able to think differently, get after innovation and excel in their next job,” Wiederholt said.

Wielderholt described the joy of leading and being a part of a team to execute the Air Force mission globally.

“We don’t go to conflict without our friends and our allies,” said Wiederholt. “When we have those international partners here at Columbus AFB it helps the student pilots get new ideas and create relations from the very start. It’s one of the unique things about our Air Force being how we integrate with our international players.”

Students begin the 52-week pilot training program with six-weeks of preflight academics and physiological training.

The second phase, primary training, is conducted in the single-engine, turboprop T-6A Texan II. In the third phase students are selected, by order of merit, the advanced training in the fighter-bomber or airlift-tanker track.

The graduation ceremony ended with the graduating class following the tradition of breaking their wings into two pieces. The breaking of the wings entails pilots snapping their first set of wings into two, never to be brought together again while the pilot is alive. One half is kept by the pilot while the other half is kept by the pilots loved one.

Some of the highlighted aircraft the graduating class will go on to fly are the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II, KC-10 Extender, KC-135 Stratotanker C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and the C-130 Hercules.

Selected students will stay at Columbus AFB becoming First Assignment Instructor Pilots in order to continue the training of new Air Force aviators.

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.