JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO- FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas-- Members of the AETC command team, Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, and his wife, Maureen, Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, AETC command chief, and his wife, Vickie, visited the 502nd Air Base Wing headquarters and other locations at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, as well as the 12th Flying Training Wing at JBSA-Randolph July 6.
“Visiting with the members of the 502nd Air Base Wing and 12th Flying Training Wing further reinforced my admiration for how well both wings contribute to the development of Airmen and Guardians,” Robinson said.
The AETC command team’s visit began with the 502nd ABW where they received the wing’s mission brief at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
"We are proud to host Lt. Gen. Robinson, Chief Master Sgt. Thompson and their spouses at the 502nd Air Base Wing,” said Brig. Gen. Russell D. Driggers, 502nd Air Base Wing and JBSA commander. “His visit is an affirmation of the wing’s dedicated support in executing vast joint missions here at JBSA. The 502nd ABW contributes to AETC’s important mission of training America’s all-volunteer force.”
Joint Base San Antonio is comprised of three primary locations – JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, JBSA-Lackland and JBSA-Randolph – plus eight other operating locations. Additionally, JBSA is where the majority of Airmen begin their military careers.
The 502nd ABW executes 49 installation support functions to enable operations for the largest joint base in the Department of Defense.
Additionally, the AETC command team visited the Vogel Resiliency Center, Army Central Issue Facility, Medical Education and Training Campus Mini-Mall and the 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Division.
The group then visited the 12th FTW at JBSA-Randolph for their mission brief, as well as discussions with members and spouses from the 558th Flying Training Squadron, Undergraduate Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Training Program, Basic Sensor Operator Course and the 12th Maintenance Group.
“We are honored to host the AETC command team, alongside our mission partners of the 502nd,” said Col. Taylor Ferrell, 12th FTW commander. “We’re extremely proud to showcase what we do every day to carry out the tradition of building, teaching and leading the next generation of Airmen. Our mission is simply stated – deliver unrivaled airpower leaders for the future of our Air Force. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of creative, innovative ways to provide world-class training to ensure Airmen are ready for the future fight.”
The 12th FTW is responsible for four aviation pipelines: pilot instructor training, combat systems officer training, remotely piloted aircraft training and basic sensor operator training.
Robinson reiterated his appreciation for how the diverse, yet synergistic, skillsets of Joint Base San Antonio produce servicemembers ready for high-end competition.
“Visits like these provide an insight into the many elements that contribute to our overall training and education mission,” Robinson said. “Both wings are shining examples of the diverse mission sets across Joint Base San Antonio. Their shared objective to empower Airmen and Guardians is critical to readiness and operational success.”
Robinson is responsible for the recruitment, training and education of Airmen. The command includes Air Force Recruiting Service, two numbered Air Forces and Air University. Members of the command train more than 293,000 students annually, with about 60,000 active duty, Reserve, Guard, civilian and contractor personnel. Robinson has been the AETC commander since May 2022.