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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

Retraining through recovery

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Trenten Walters
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.-- Airman 1st Class Poodthaneth Saengkhamphong, 336th Training Squadron student, was approximately three weeks into his technical training for Client Systems Operations when his plans came to a halt.

Saengkhamphong was injured in an accident, causing him to be rushed to the emergency room at a local hospital where he stayed in inpatient care for three weeks.

After he was released from the hospital, Saengkhamphong was mentally ready to return to technical training at Keesler, but still needed physical assistance to move. He stayed at Keesler’s Fisher House, a home away from home for families and patients of the Keesler Medical Center and local hospitals, for three more weeks in recovery.

“Thanks to my first sergeant who was heavily involved, the Air Force brought my family here to help take care of me because I wasn't independent at that point,” said Saengkhamphong.

After Saengkhamphong’s stay at the Fisher House, he spent the rest of his time recovering in Sacramento, California.

In April 2023, Saengkhamphong entered the Pathfinder Program, which preserves talent by placing students within the Knowledge Operations course and provides additional opportunities to stay within a cyber AFSC. Saengkhamphong began computer based training for the Knowledge Operations course and continued his technical training, remotely.

Despite not receiving typical classroom experiences, Saengkhamphong felt he gained substantially more knowledge by getting to meet different people that he wouldn't have had the chance to if he was in a traditional classroom.

“I ended up completing my training for Knowledge Operations through distance learning,” said Saengkhamphong. “I was given the course material and was able to contact the instructors if I had any questions. In some of the courses I was even able to have one-on-one lectures with the instructor.”

From the time of the accident to graduating the Knowledge Operation course, Saengkhamphong's journey lasted six months. It all came full circle for him when he attended his graduation ceremony in-person on June 5 here.

“I was surprised when I met A1C Saengkhamphong in person, but after hearing his story and working with him for several weeks, his pleasant and quiet disposition was heartwarming; after surviving his suffering,” said Ashley-Williams Lavette, 336th TRS Knowledge Operations instructor. “His diligence as he was recovering from a serious injury while maintaining his focus to complete the course would inspire anyone who heard about his journey. His resilience was a key factor in staying on task even when he experienced medical setbacks. If how he overcame this is any indication of what he will achieve in his career, he will be unstoppable.”

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.