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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

Memorial Day on the Gulf Coast

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Seth Haddix
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Native of Greenwood, Mississippi, 2nd Lt. Samuel Reeves Keesler, Jr., enlisted in the Army Air Service entering World War I.

He trained as an aerial observer, gunner and artillery fire controller and provided air support for the U.S. troops. After taking heavy gunfire from enemy aircraft during a reconnaissance mission, Lt. Keesler gallantly fended off German attackers while plummeting to the ground.

Seriously wounded from the crash landing, Lt. Keesler and his pilot, 1st Lt. Harold W. Riley, were captured by German troops. Keesler died from his injuries due to no immediate medical attention.

In preparation of World War II, the city of Biloxi formally offered the land for an Air Force base in 1941. City officials wanted the instillation to be named after a notable figure in the local area’s history, so Keesler Army Airfield was eventually built and named after the fallen soldier.

Spanning all the way back to the honorable veteran, the Gulf Coast has been home to a strong military heritage.

The coast has been able to provide the military with open land with a suitable environment and air space. Bases such as Keesler, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Mississippi, and other instillations on the coast have set a foundation of military impact and training.

The military tie of the coast has become a mutually beneficial relationship, improving the communities’ economies by creating job opportunities and partnering with off-base facilities.

Across the coast, the military has been able to grow stronger and take the best position possible to complete the mission while building successful communities around them. The relationship has remained impactful, and the support for the military has helped this country protect our freedom and support those who serve.

Lt. Keesler is one of many brave service members who have died protecting our country. Memorial Day is a time that we remember fallen service members. With multiple military bases across the Gulf Coast, the military culture remains strong and honors those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

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.