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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

56 ARS continue ‘Star Spangled Ambassador’ tradition

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Robert Sizelove, 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla.-- A special package recently turned an ordinary training flight into something a bit more special at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, August 3, 2021.

The Star-Spangled Ambassador, a flag that has flown over all seven continents and 50 different countries aboard 122 different airframes flew aboard a KC-46 Pegasus from the 56th Air Refueling Squadron.

The flag is the lifelong project of retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard E. Parks. Parks travels the world with the flag and has flown it on many aircraft and other interesting vehicles including a submarine. If Parks is not able to attend a flight in person, he ships the flag, which is how it made its way to AAFB.

“I was chatting with an old friend I was stationed with at Grissom AFB, Indiana back in the late 80’s or early 90’s,” said Graham Weidner, 97th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron KC-46 work leader. “He told me the story of this flag he had arranged to fly on a KC-135D in 1990. He asked me if I thought I could get this same flag on a KC-46. I told him that I was fairly certain I could make that happen.”

The following week, Weidner received an e-mail with a tracking number to follow the shipment of the flag to Altus. Once it arrived, the 56th ARS crew that participated was excited and ready to fly the flag.

“The tradition of the Star Spangled Ambassador is an important one because it provides a rich, interconnected history between generations of U.S. military and civilian aviators,” said Capt. Michael Fournier, 56th ARS flight scheduler.   

“We had the distinct honor of being the 123rd aircraft the flag has flown on,” Fournier continued. “This was all because of one member, the A-team’s finest, Mr. Graham Weidner. Through his connections he was able to get the flag shipped to Altus for the flight.”   

Weidner said he was simply proud to have been a part of the flag’s legacy.

 “I am honored to have been a part of arranging the flight on the KC-46 for The Star Spangled Ambassador to continue its impressive journey,” he said.

The KC-46 crew consisted of Fournier, 2nd Lt. Sonya Alexander, 2nd Lt. Carly Collette, Tech. Sgt. Jake Nenneman, Tech. Sgt. Amy James and Master Sgt. Richard Taylor. 

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.