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

Strengthening spiritual resilience: Maxwell-Gunter chapel team hosts annual Clergy Day

  • Published
  • By 1st. Lt. Shelby Pinner
  • Maxwell Air Force Base Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  

The 42d Air Base Wing chapel team brought local faith leaders together for their annual Clergy Day on June 12.

The event honored key community partners and reinforced spiritual resilience as a critical pillar for Airmen and family readiness.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jon Smithley, 42d Air Base Wing chaplain addresses attendees at a military perspective panel during the Clergy Day event at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, June 12, 2026.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jon Smithley, 42d Air Base Wing chaplain addresses attendees at a military perspective panel during the Clergy Day event at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, June 12, 2026. Panelists discussed the unique challenge families face during PCS moves, deployments and their experiences connecting with the local faith community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Figueroa)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
"Everyone should familiarize themselves with the idea of spiritual resilience," said John Walker, a member of the Catholic Parish on Maxwell. "Every human has a spiritual and mortal side, so having a connection to something greater than themselves is especially important."

This connection is particularly vital given the challenges of military life, where frequent relocations require families to rebuild their support systems. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Gorton, 42d ABW chaplain, emphasized that establishing a strong spiritual foundation during these transitions is essential. He noted how the chapel team bridges this gap, ensuring Airmen and their families never have to navigate a new assignment alone.

"In the military, we move a lot. We put our lives in boxes, and when we show up to a new location, we oftentimes must look for a new faith or spiritual community to connect with," Gorton said. "We as a chapel team connect our local leaders, faith group leaders, and those Airmen and their families."

A group of community faith leaders gather during a Clergy Day event at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, June 12, 2026.

A group of community faith leaders gather during a Clergy Day event at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, June 12, 2026. The event prepares local clergy with the role of helping and supporting Airmen to accomplish the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Figueroa)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Looking ahead, the chapel team is planning to build on this momentum. U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jared Rykse, 42d ABW chapel superintendent, outlined upcoming opportunities to unite Airmen with local River Region faith leaders.

"Building connections beyond Clergy Day is extremely important for us because we want to be able to continue that relationship," Rykse stated.

The chapel's upcoming event in July is an interfaith picnic designed to connect church organizations and clergy with Airmen and their families.

The 42d ABW chapel team provides vital spiritual care, community programs, and counseling for Airmen and their families. Dedicated to fostering resilience, they offer diverse worship services and supportive resources to keep the military community strong and connected.

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.