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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

Goodfellow | Honoring Ajola

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley Thrash
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Senior Airman Jordan Arredondo walks into the dog kennels at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, hearing all the dogs barking, but one stands out to his ears. This bark was unique and extra raspy but just as loud as the others. He walks up to Ajola’s kennel as she excitedly jumps around and wags her tail a million miles a minute. He grabs her leash and prepares for another day of work.

Fast forward two years, the same dog is sleeping on his couch, next to his wife, Shawn, in his San Angelo, Texas home.

Arredondo was paired with his first working dog, Ajola, in March of 2021 after he completed handler training at Andrews. There, they went through at least 50 ten-hour training days to get to know each other and build an unbreakable bond.

Jordan and Ajola on shift taking a selfie. (Courtesy photo)

Honoring Ajola

Jordan and Ajola on shift taking a selfie. (Courtesy photo)
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A U.S. Airman assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, wears a protective coat while Afola, a military working dog with the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron performs a controlled aggression tactic during a demonstration at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, March 12, 2018. The dogs train on how to detect explosives and narcotics as well as perform controlled aggression tactics when detaining suspects. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Evenson)

Honoring Ajola

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, wears a protective coat while Afola, a military working dog with the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron performs a controlled aggression tactic during a demonstration at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, March 12, 2018. The dogs train on how to detect explosives and narcotics as well as perform controlled aggression tactics when detaining suspects. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Evenson)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Ajola wearing sunglasses in her kennel. (Courtesy photo)

Honoring Ajola

Ajola wearing sunglasses in her kennel. (Courtesy photo)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

During their partnership, Arredondo and Ajola secured areas and preserved the safety of visitors and staff of the presidential party. They went on two presidential missions and completed over 350 escort missions.

Before being paired with Arredondo, Ajola served with the 316th Security Forces Squadron as a military working dog for five years and deployed twice to the Middle East.

Ajola retired in December of 2021 and was immediately adopted by Arredondo and his wife.

“She looked at him like he made the universe,” said Shawn. “I always told everyone she loves her daddy and her Kong; those are the only two things she needs in the world.”

In March, the family moved to San Angelo, where Arredondo was assigned to the 17th Security Forces Squadron, and Ajola continued her retirement in West Texas.

Although they did not continue to serve together, their bond stayed strong.

“Every single day, whether I went to work or the grocery store, when I came home she would sprint out the front door and jump up to me and press her head against me like it was the first we ever met,” said Arredondo. “She just showed me unconditional love all the time.”

Unfortunately, Ajola passed from chronic illness Jan. 7 but spent her last few days right next to her parents.

Ajola’s sacrifice and service to the country will forever be immortalized in the hearts and minds of Arredondo and Shawn, as well as everyone who had the honor of serving with her.

Jordan, Shawn and Ajola pose for a picture. (Courtesy photo)

Honoring Ajola

Jordan, Shawn and Ajola pose for a picture. (Courtesy photo)
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Ajola enjoying time outside. (Courtesy photo)

Honoring Ajola

Ajola enjoying time outside. (Courtesy photo)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Jordan and Ajola spending their last few moments together. (Courtesy photo)

Honoring Ajola

Jordan and Ajola spending their last few moments together. (Courtesy photo)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
U.S. Air Force military working dog Afola, assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, waits for commands from her handler during a demonstration for members of the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, March 12, 2018. The dogs train on how to detect explosives and narcotics as well as perform controlled aggression tactics when detaining suspects. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Evenson)

Honoring Ajola

U.S. Air Force military working dog Ajola, assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, waits for commands from her handler during a demonstration for members of the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, March 12, 2018. The dogs train on how to detect explosives and narcotics as well as perform controlled aggression tactics when detaining suspects. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Evenson)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

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.