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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

Luke commander brings home flagship F-35

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ryan DeCamp
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) --  The 56th Fighter Wing flagship F-35 Lightning II arrived at Luke Air Force Base April 28, it was the base's 22nd F-35.

Flying the aircraft from Lockheed Martin's Forth Worth, Texas, plant to Arizona was Brig. Gen. Scott Pleus, the 56th FW commander. The tail number for the aircraft is 5056 and the last two numbers represent the 56th FW.

"The flagship's arrival is significant for Luke because it serves as a sign of our identity in who we are and what we're here to do," Pleus said. "Next month we'll officially change our mission to training the world's best F-35 and F-16 (Fighting Falcon) pilots while deploying mission-ready warfighters. This jet represents the fact that we prepare Airmen to defend our country around the world wherever we're called."

The flagship's arrival coincides with the beginning of the first class of F-35 students that will begin in May. Pleus served as the wing's first official student so he could help refine and validate the training program for future students.

Luke will receive 144 F-35s comprising six squadrons by 2024. The Glendale, Arizona, base now has 20 U.S. F-35s and two from the Royal Australian Air Force. All 22 aircraft are part of the 61st Fighter Squadron.

The 62nd FS will be the base's second F-35 squadron. It is scheduled to stand up in June and begin flying in September. That unit will host pilots from Norway and Italy. Overall, 11 countries will train at Luke on the Lightning II.

"It's a busy time for Luke, but I couldn't be prouder of the work our Airmen are doing in setting the Air Force up for success," Pleus said. "The arrival of our flagship is another sign the 56th will be looked upon to train the best F-35 pilots for the U.S. and our allies for decades to come, as we've done in the F-16 since 1982.”

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.