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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

Khobar Towers: Sacrifice of fallen heroes never forgotten

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stormy Archer
  • 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  

The 33rd Fighter Wing hosted a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Khobar Towers terrorist attack, June 24, 2016, at the Nomad Memorial Grounds, here.

 

The ceremony honored the 12 Nomads who lost their lives on June 25, 1996, and paid tribute to the families and survivors.

 

“This attack shook our nation to its core,” Col. Lance Pilch, 33rd Fighter Wing commander, said. “The effect of this terrorism ripples through us even today as we reflect on who these Airmen could have been, were they still alive today.”

 

The bombing at Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, resulted in more than 500 civilian and military casualties. The 33rd FW suffered 105 wounded personnel and accounted for 12 of the 19 Airmen killed on that day.

 

“Twenty years, in some respects, seems like an eternity, but there are times when it seems like 20 days because our memory of that tragic night is still so clear,” said retired Col. Doug Cochran, 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron commander at the time of the attack. “The sting of loss fades somewhat over time, but the memories of our fallen heroes and their sacrifice remains vivid.”

 

The ceremony consisted of a wreath laying, recitation of the names of the victims, playing of Taps, the first flyover in a Missing Man formation for the F-35A.

 

“The memory of these heroes taken and those who live on ignite in us a firm resolve to honor their sacrifice,” Pilch said. “These Airmen did not falter to answer the call to serve our nation and their legacy lives on in their brothers and sisters-in-arms. Today’s Nomads who carry the torch forward still fight and still serve our nation with fire from the clouds.”

 

The names of the fallen are:

From Eglin Air Force Base

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Cafourek

Sgt. Millard Campbell

Senior Airman Earl Cartrette, Jr.

Tech. Sgt. Patrick Fennig

Master Sgt. Kendall Kitson, Jr.

Airman 1st Class Brent Marthaler

Airman 1st Class Brian McVeigh

Tech. Sgt. Thanh Gus Nguyen

Senior Airman Jeremy Taylor

Airman 1st Class Peter Morgera

Airman 1st Class Joseph Rimkus

Airman 1st Class Joshua Woody

From Patrick AFB

Capt. Christopher Adams

Capt. Leland Haun

Master Sgt. Michael Heiser

Staff Sgt. Kevin Johnson

Airman 1st Class Justin Wood

From Offutt AFB

Staff Sgt. Ronald King

From Wright-Patterson AFB

Airman 1st Class Christopher Lester

 

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.