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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

Team XL hosts Annual Awards Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Darryl Keith
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

The 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) held its Annual Awards Ceremony at XL Landings Feb. 20, 2026. 

Laughlin leadership recognized the Wing’s top performers of 2025 throughout various categories to include enlisted Airmen, officers, civilians and teams. 

“To all nominees and award winners: tremendous job,” said Chief Master Sgt. Erik Garza, 47 FTW command chief. “Continue to strive for excellence and always look towards your family and peers along the way.”  

After presenting the award winners, all of Team XL was acknowledged for their efforts during the previous year. 

“You guys are the ones that makes the mission happen every day,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, 47 FTW commander. “Thank you for your continued effort. It’s an absolute honor to lead such an elite and premier team here at Laughlin.” 

The winners of the 2025 47 FTW Annual Awards are: 

Airman of the Year:  

Senior Airman Benjamin Carpenter, 47th Mission Support Group 

Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year: 

Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Butler, 47th Operations Group 

Senior NCO of the Year: 

Master Sgt. Laura Claypool, 47th Wing Staff Agencies 

Company Grade Officer of the Year: 

1st Lt. Kathryn Martemucci, Laughlin Medical Group 

Field Grade Officer of the Year: 

Maj. Gary Young, Laughlin Medical Group 

Instructor Pilot of the Year: 

Capt. Pierce Pluemer, 434th Flying Training Squadron 

Civilian Non-Supervisory Category I of the Year: 

Ines Torres-Wong, 47th Mission Support Group 

Civilian Non-Supervisory Category II of the Year: 

Brooke Sands, 47th Mission Support Group 

Civilian Non-Supervisory Category III of the Year: 

Jesus Valdez, 47th Mission Support Group 

Civilian Supervisory Category I of the Year: 

Yvonne Anguiano, 47th Mission Support Group 

Civilian Supervisory Category II of the Year: 

David Mercer, 47th Maintenance Directorate 

Civilian Supervisory Category III of the Year: 

Antionette Trevino, 47th Mission Support Group 

Honor Guardsman of the Year: 

Senior Airman Samuel Nieto, 47th Operations Group 

Volunteer of the Year: 

Senior Airman Che Washington, 47th Mission Support Group 

Team of the Year: 

T-6 Operations Team, 47th Operations Group 

First Sergeant of the Year: 

Master Sgt. Todd Hughes, 47th Student Squadron 

Key Spouse of the Year: 

Koreanna Collins, 47th Operations Group 

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.