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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

Luke | 19th AF command team talks successes, challenges

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dominic Tyler
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, 19th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Justin Apticar, 19th Air Force command chief, visited Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Feb. 15, 2023, and engaged with Luke Airmen to gain insight on the successes and challenges unique to the 56th Fighter Wing.

This is Stewart’s first visit to Luke after taking command of the 19th AF in August of 2022.

During their visit, Stewart and Apticar toured premier fighter squadrons, aircraft maintenance units and base facilities including the 61st FS, the 62nd AMU and the 56th Maintenance Group munitions squadron.

At the 61st FS, Stewart spoke with pilots on the importance of Luke’s coalition training.

“One of the most important things to the Air Force is training integration with our coalition partners,” said Stewart. “We fight side-by-side as a coalition, and Luke is shaping the future of F-35 training.”

After their tour of the squadrons, Stewart and Apticar held an All Call event where they introduced themselves, discussed their priorities and expectations, and fielded questions from Airmen.

At the All Call, Chief Apticar spoke to supervisors about being frontline leaders for their Airmen.

“Without trust, you’re just a supervisor,” said Apticar. “To be a frontline leader you have to build trust and communicate with your Airmen. A frontline leader listens to their people and shows them respect so everyone has full capability to complete the mission.”

Later on, Stewart and Apticar met with Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th FW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jason Shaffer, 56th FW command chief, as well as members of the Balfour Beaty Communities Housing Office to discuss initiatives and future plans surrounding the Luke AFB housing community.

“At the end of the day, we’re here to make our Airmen’s lives better” Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart

“At the end of the day, we’re here to make our Airmen’s lives better,” said Stewart. “Holding town hall meetings gives us an opportunity to address the concerns of our people directly as well as discuss the best solution for problems.”

Stewart and Apticar culminated their visit with a briefing from the Community Initiatives Team. They visited with Luke AFB community and civic leaders to discuss extensive growth surrounding the base, the Auxiliary Airfields, and the actions taken to preserve Luke’s long-term mission.

The 19 AF commander thanked Airmen and their families for their hard work and support while Luke continues the mission of training the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen.

The 19th AF oversees the 56th FW and is responsible for the training of more than 30,000 U.S. and international military students annually, in a variety of specialties ranging from manned aircraft aircrews, remotely piloted aircraft crews, air battle managers, weapons directors, Air Force Academy Airmanship programs, and Survival, Escape, Resistance, and Evasion specialists.

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.