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

Team Kingsley participates in 2nd annual Cardboard Boat Race

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar
  • 173rd Fighter Wing
LAKE OF THE WOODS, Ore. --  

173rd Fighter Wing Airmen and their families gathered together at a local lake July 14, 2024 for the second annual cardboard boat race.  This unique morale event challenged different organizations across the wing to design, build, and race a boat through a set course on the lake. 

cardboard boat race

Multiple teams from the 173rd Fighter Wing attempt to navigate the course in their carboard watercrafts during the Kingsley Field Cardboard Boat Race at Lake of the Woods, Oregon, July 14, 2024. This is the second time Team Kingsley has hosted this event, fostering team building and morale within the unit. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. NIkki Jackson)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Master Sgt. Caleb Coaty, 173rd Maintenance Group Fist Sergeant and event coordinator, said this event was a great opportunity to build morale across the wing.

  “As they say, ‘it puts mortar in the bricks for the foundation’, cheesy I know,” he said. “It’s less about the actual event and more about giving shops and members a chance to work together on a fun project outside of most everyone’s wheelhouse.”

This year, eight teams from across the wing entered their own design.

Prior to the start of the race, the entries were inspected to ensure everyone had followed the rules in constructing their “masterpieces.”  The boats were required to be made of corrugated cardboard and propelled by human power.  No materials such as styrofoam or rubber inflation devices were allowed, and the only outside coating allowed was paint. 

cardboard boat race

Multiple boats make their way to the finish line as the crowd cheers during the Kingsley Field Cardboard Boat Race at Lake of the Woods, Oregon, July 14, 2024. This is the second time Team Kingsley has hosted this event, fostering team building and morale within the unit. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Emily Copeland)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Throngs of supporters crowded the shores and cheered on their respective teams as the eight boats battled it out for the win.  This year, the 173rd Maintenance Group swept all four of the awards.

Coming in first place during the event was the Cannon Fodder Revenge from the Engine Shop.  They were presented with the “Speed Boat Award.”

“Pride of the Regatta” was presented to 2WO from Ammo.  This award recognized the most creative design or the best use of carboard.

Adorned in pirate costumes, the Maintenance Operations Flight won the “Best Dressed Team”.

And finally, the “Titanic Award,” for most spectacular sinking, went to the Crew Chiefs for their underwater kayak, the U. Eth. Eth. Harrith.

Coaty says they hope to continue this event next year and he appreciates everyone who helped make it happen. 

sinking boat

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Babiracki and Senior Airman Lazarus Tecca, 173rd Maintenance Group crew chiefs, attempt to navigate their sinking cardboard boat, the SS Glizzel, during the Kingsley Field Carboard Boat Race at Lake of the Woods, Oregon, July 14, 2024. This is the second time Team Kingsley has hosted this event, fostering team building and morale within the unit. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Emily Copeland)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

“Thanks to everyone who participated,” said Coaty.  “Lake of the Woods resort is appreciative of how clean and respectful we are, especially with such a large group.”

cardboard boat race

Members of the 173rd Maintenance Operation Flight dressed as pirates pose with their boat during the Kingsley Field Cardboard Boat Race at Lake of the Woods, Oregon, July 14, 2024. The 173rd MOS was crowned the "Best Dressed Team" during this morale event. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Nikki Jackson)
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.