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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

Robot responder: Venom keeps firefighters safe, base ready

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joseph Curzi
  • 14th Flying Training Wing
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

Today was my first day on the job, there was no training, just pure instincts to carry out a mission that could save lives. I was carefully lowered down into the darkness of the confined space when my wheels hit the ground. That's when my operator took control and steered me deeper into the unknown to locate the source of the hazard.  

An LED monitor shows live video footage of the Marten MK2 Pro robot at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, March 18, 2025. The new fire protection asset bolstered the available search and inspection tools for the CAFB Fire and Emergency services flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Curzi)

An LED monitor shows live video footage of the Marten MK2 Pro robot at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, March 18, 2025. The new fire protection asset bolstered the available search and inspection tools for the CAFB Fire and Emergency services flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Curzi)
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The Marten MK2 Pro, a remotely controlled inspection robot, illuminates a dark room exhibiting its customizable bright spotlight at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, March 18, 2025. The introduction of robotic hazard detection strengthens firefighter safety and reduces their risk of exposure in a potentially dangerous environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Curzi)

The Marten MK2 Pro, a remotely controlled inspection robot, illuminates a dark room exhibiting its customizable bright spotlight at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, March 18, 2025. The introduction of robotic hazard detection strengthens firefighter safety and reduces their risk of exposure in a potentially dangerous environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Curzi)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
 
The Marten MK2 Pro, a remotely controlled inspection robot, showcases its confined space area capabilities at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, March 18, 2025. The four-wheel drive robot features a 10x optical zoom 1080p camera with audio and extended range of up to 750ft line of sight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Curzi)

The Marten MK2 Pro, a remotely controlled inspection robot, showcases its confined space area capabilities at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, March 18, 2025. The four-wheel drive robot features a 10x optical zoom 1080p camera with audio and extended range of up to 750ft line of sight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Curzi)
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 The 14th Civil Engineer Squadron, Fire and Emergency services flight reinforced their ongoing commitment to operational safety by incorporating the Marten MK2 Pro, a state-of-the-art remote-controlled inspection robot. The MK2 Pro was used to perform reconnaissance in the confined spaces of the sewer structures under the commissary to examine unconfirmed hazards and damages.  

“This is a complex piece of machinery, and the plan went flawlessly,” said Mr. Donald Vickery, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron, Fire and Emergency services flight fire inspector and logistics officer. “From me controlling the robot, to the person hooking up the rigging and the person who went down with the robot, we used this for safety more than anything else.” 

The introduction of robotic hazard detection contributes to firefighter safety and reduces their risk of exposure in a potentially dangerous environment by providing detailed assessments of situations before firefighters even have to step in. Using the robot’s confined space area capabilities, firefighters can remotely deploy the device and utilize its camera to maneuver through limited space and visibility environments a human could not. 

The symbiotic relationship between the Marten MK2 Pro and the controller is why the fire department nicknamed it Venom. Built to handle complex terrain with rugged, slash-resistant tires and capability to continue driving even when flipped over; the four-wheel drive robot features a 10x optical zoom 1080p camera with audio, extended range of up to 750ft line-of-sight and a spotlight providing customizable bright illumination to enhance visibility in any low lighting conditions.

The successful deployment of Venom also marks a step forward in the advancement of the installation emergency readiness program. Vickery explained that deploying the robot can be a faster and more efficient response to a situation: providing emergency teams expedited access to data when making informed decisions allowing for a more effective and timely response.   

“We will 100% use this in future situations,” said Vickery. “It's a huge safety tool being able to quickly deploy this robot into a hazardous environment without having to put a person in harm's way. I would much rather lose a robot than the life of a human.”

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.