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

Second annual Dragon Tank fuels innovation at Keesler

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

Innovation and ingenuity took center stage as Keesler Air Force Base hosted its second annual Dragon Tank competition on April 4, empowering Airmen to drive change from the ground up.

Two uniformed Airmen and one civilian pose with a large check for $140,000 after winning the Dragon Tank competition.

Staff Sgt. Britney Diamond, 334th Training Squadron instructor, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chamberlain, 334th TRS instructor, and Mr. Brad Younkman, 334th TRS instructor supervisor, win the 2025 Dragon Tank competition at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 5, 2025. The team’s pitch was selected as the winner out of seven total entries, earning $140,000 in innovation funds to enhance air traffic control training capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Dragon Tank, a Keesler program, provides a platform for personnel from the 81st Training Wing to present creative, mission-enhancing ideas to a panel of senior leaders and directly supports the 81st TRW “FIRE” strategic framework, to empower Airmen as Agents of Change.

Six people sit in chairs during the Dragon Tank competition panel, with a uniformed male member, holds a microphone while speaking to presenters.

U.S. Air Force Col. Billy Pope Jr., 81st Training Wing commander, asks questions following a presentation at the 2025 Dragon Tank competition at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 4, 2025. This second annual event allows Airmen to present innovative ideas to base leadership and community partners for consideration and potential implementation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
This year’s panel featured Col. Billy Pope, Jr., 81st TRW commander, Chief Master Sgt Ryan Taylor, 81st TRW command chief, Staff Sgt. Joel Hendrickson, who won last year's competition, Lawanda Jones and Cree Cantrell, honorary commanders, each evaluating proposals based on innovation, impact, and alignment with the wing’s priorities.

Competing teams presented a diverse range of solutions, from GPS-tracked buoys that would secure Keesler’s waterfront and clearly define base boundaries, to a full technology refresh for the installation’s courtroom systems. Other submissions focused on advancing training capabilities through enhanced simulation and instructional upgrades.

“We have some innovative and creative Airmen on Keesler Air Force Base who are doing amazing things,” said Pope. “Dragon Tank gives them the opportunity to pitch their ideas, not only to base leadership, but to some of our community partners, and we get to hear those ideas and maybe make them come to fruition.”

Judging panel stands in a group, holding binders, discussing and selecting the winning idea during Keesler AFB’s Dragon Tank event.

Judges deliberate during the second annual Dragon Tank competition at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 4, 2025. The event showcases innovation from across the 81st Training Wing, providing Airmen with an opportunity to pitch ideas that improve training, operations, and installation readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
The winning pitch came from the 334th Training Squadron, securing $140,000 in squadron innovation funds to upgrade air traffic control training equipment. Central to the proposal is the integration of the ATCoach standalone radar system, a cost-effective, turnkey ATC radar simulation solution designed to provide a seamless transition from training to operational air traffic control. The planned enhancements aim to significantly elevate the realism and effectiveness of training for future air traffic controllers.

“Dragon Tank 2025 was an outstanding opportunity, and I’m honored to have been a part of it,” said 2nd Lt. Michael Dixon, Dragon Tank 2025 project officer. “Keesler’s Airmen continue to bring forward innovative ideas, and they deserve a platform where those ideas can be heard and acted upon. This event demonstrated that the 81st Training Wing is committed to turning its priorities and lines of effort into meaningful action. It was innovation in motion, driven from the ground up, with a clear focus on strengthening our installation and enhancing force readiness.”

As Keesler continues to lead the way in shaping the future of Air Force training, Dragon Tank remains a powerful example of what can happen when Airmen are trusted to create solutions from within.

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.