An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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
See More
Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
See More
An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
See More

Articles

F-35A Pilots Soar in ACE Training at Ebbing Air National Guard Base

  • Published
  • By MSgt Chauncey Reed
  • 188th Wing
EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Arkansas - --  

The 33rd Fighter Wing, along with the cutting-edge F-35A Lightning II, trained on Agile Combat Employment (ACE) tactics, techniques and procedures, at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Oct. 17, 2023.

ACE is an operational concept adopted by the United States Air Force to enhance its ability to project airpower in a rapidly changing and contested environment. It represents a departure from traditional, static basing approaches, emphasizing the need for agility, adaptability, and resilience. The two-ship training event, held at Ebbing, focused on honing pilot skills.

“ACE training emphasizes the ability to be flexible in a less than familiar environment such as Ebbing,” said Col. Charles Chuck, the 33rd Operations Group commander. “Exercises like this give our F-35A pilots the opportunity to practice agility and adaptability necessary to defeat our adversaries.”

The training was conducted in the Ebbing air space and Razorback Range, which is a Class A bombing range, in coordination with Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center. Upon entering the Razorback Range air space, the pilots swiftly maneuvered through the skies, employing advanced tactics like simulated strafing passes exercising air to ground employment of the F-35A’s 25mm cannon.

“Tactical employment is a critical skill for all military combat aircraft,” said Maj. Jonathan Linn, Razorback Range commander. “The 184-square nautical miles of restricted airspace coupled with Razorback Range creates an exceptional training environment to perform necessary flight maneuvers for critical training.”

Once training was complete, the pilots landed at Ebbing to refuel the aircrafts. As part of the ACE concept, the pilots refueled the aircraft themselves. This aspect enhances agility in austere environments, ensuring seamless execution of high-stakes missions.

This ACE training demonstrated the U.S Air Force’s commitment to building the skills and mindset for the future of air combat, where flexibility, interoperability, and readiness take center stage.

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.